Mykola Stetsenko participates in meeting between Ukrainian business associations and EU delegation
On Monday, November 25, Mykola Stetsenko, President of the Ukrainian Bar Association, participated in a meeting between representatives of Ukrainian business associations and a delegation from the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS).
The delegation arrived in Ukraine for a three-day visit to participate at the EU-Ukraine Justice, Liberty and Security Sub-Committee. Another key objective of the visit was to support the preparation of Ukraine’s rule of law roadmap, which is one of the opening benchmarks for starting EU accession negotiations in the Fundamental reforms cluster.
During their visit, the delegation held discussions with representatives of Ukrainian business associations to examine the state of the rule of law in Ukraine and identify priorities for future reforms.
In his remarks, Mykola Stetsenko highlighted several pressing challenges that Ukraine must address to strengthen the rule of law on its path toward European integration. Chief among these, he underscored the critical importance of judicial reform. According to Mr. Stetsenko, an independent and efficient judiciary is essential for ensuring justice and public trust in the legal system. Completing the reform of the judicial system, he noted, remains one of the country’s top priorities.
The UBA President also emphasized the need to modernize the legal profession. He pointed out that advancing professional standards and ensuring the independence of attorneys are crucial steps toward enhancing the justice system as a whole.
Another key issue raised by Mr. Stetsenko was the transparent and efficient privatization of state-owned enterprises. He noted that such efforts could serve as a powerful driver for attracting foreign investment, which is particularly critical for Ukraine’s economy at this stage.
Addressing corruption, Mr. Stetsenko stressed the importance of implementing transparent legislation, digitizing government processes, and reducing discretionary powers for officials. These measures, he argued, are foundational for minimizing corruption risks.
Additionally, the UBA President drew attention to the need for reforming law enforcement agencies. Improving their efficiency and accountability, he stated, is an indispensable element of upholding the rule of law in Ukraine.
Concluding his speech, Mr. Stetsenko emphasized the necessity of stable and predictable government policies, particularly in areas such as business regulation, taxation, and mobilization issues. He asserted that consistency in policymaking is essential for fostering economic growth and creating a favorable investment climate.
The European Commission representatives listened attentively to these proposals, reaffirming their interest in collaboration and their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s integration into the EU.
In addition to the UBA, the meeting was attended by representatives from the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine and the European Business Association.