Council of Europe Commends Ukraine’s Progress on Human Rights and Rule of Law

Fourth Meeting of the Council of Europe Steering Committee for Ukraine

According to Конституційний суд: On May 5, 2026, the Steering Committee held its fourth session to review the implementation of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine for 2023–2026. Titled 'Resilience, Recovery, and Reconstruction,' this plan aims to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, and protect human rights during wartime and the subsequent rebuilding phase. Attendees included representatives from the Council of Europe, Ukrainian state bodies, and civil society organizations. This meeting underscores the ongoing partnership between Ukraine and international bodies to safeguard democratic values amid conflict.

Key Topics Discussed

During the second session focused on the rule of law, Oleh Pervomaiskyi, a judge of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, presented major outcomes across three core areas:

• Human rights protection;
• Rule of law;
• Democracy.

Discussions centered on ensuring equality and human dignity, safeguarding the rights of veterans and military personnel, and protecting internally displaced persons. The meeting also highlighted compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

Additional topics included combating corruption, economic crimes, and cybercrime, as well as the functioning of the penitentiary system and probation services. Efforts to promote good governance, reform public administration, and improve electoral and referendum processes were also addressed.

Oleh Pervomaiskyi: 'The Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine for 2023–2026, Resilience, Recovery, and Reconstruction, is not just a cooperation framework but a practical tool for strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law, and human rights protection during war and post-war recovery.'

The meeting also referenced the Council of Europe project 'Further Support for Constitutional Justice Reforms in Ukraine,' highlighting the importance of international backing for reform efforts. Pervomaiskyi emphasized that 'Our partnership is built on mutual trust, swift responses to the Court’s needs, high professionalism, and a deep understanding of the Ukrainian context, delivering tangible results and significant added value for national institutions.' This session marked a key step toward advancing the rule of law and democratic governance in Ukraine.

This gathering reaffirmed the critical role of Ukraine’s collaboration with international organizations in protecting human rights and fostering democratic institutions, especially during wartime. Implementing the Action Plan is vital for ensuring national stability and meeting international obligations. The focus on issues like anti-corruption and veterans' rights reflects a comprehensive strategy to tackle pressing societal challenges in Ukraine.

As Ukraine continues to advance its democratic reforms, the recent approval of essential EU legislation by the Parliament marks a significant step towards securing vital financial support. This funding will not only bolster economic stability but also enhance the efforts outlined in the EU reform agenda, further reinforcing the country's commitment to human rights and the rule of law during this critical period of recovery.