Ukraine's Supreme Court Seeks Constitutional Review of Budget and Court Fee Laws

Supreme Court Submits Constitutional Inquiry

According to Конституційний суд: On February 17, 2026, the Supreme Court of Ukraine formally requested the Constitutional Court of Ukraine to review the constitutionality of specific provisions within several laws concerning the state budget and court fees. This move initiates a significant constitutional review process.

The provisions under scrutiny include articles from various laws, specifically:

• Article 46 of the Law of Ukraine 'On the State Budget of Ukraine for 2025';
• Part Two of Article 3 of the Law of Ukraine 'On Court Fees';
• Subparagraphs 1 and 2 of Paragraph 3, Part Two of Article 4 of the Law of Ukraine 'On Court Fees'.

Furthermore, the submission references clauses from the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, namely:

• Paragraph 1 of Part Two of Article 284;
• Part Three of Article 285;
• Part Four of Article 286;
• Part Three of Article 288.

The Supreme Court's appeal also mentions the fifth paragraph of Part One of Article 7 from the Law of Ukraine 'On the State Budget of Ukraine for 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025'. These advisory submissions have been published in the 'Under Court Consideration' section of the Court's official website.

Potential Implications of the Review

This constitutional challenge could have major repercussions for Ukraine's financial system and judiciary. The outcome may directly affect how the court system is funded and the accessibility of justice for citizens. Such reviews are a key function of the Constitutional Court, ensuring laws align with the nation's foundational legal document. A ruling of unconstitutionality could necessitate legislative amendments, thereby influencing the future application of these laws in legal practice.