UNBA initiatives to implement the Roadmap were supported by international experts

International experts who participated in the inaugural meeting of the Working Group on the implementation of the Roadmap on the rule of law in advocacy and agreed to join it expressed their support for the initiative of the Ukrainian National Bar Association.

The development and adoption of a draft law on improving the legal regulation of the legal profession is one of the tasks of the Roadmap on the rule of law, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on May 14, 2025, No. 475-r, with the aim of fulfilling Ukraine's obligations under the European Union's negotiating framework.

Since the UNBA has been designated as a co-implementer of the measures, the Bar Council of Ukraine, by its decision No. 125 of December 12, 2025, established a working group and approved the Roadmap Implementation Program in the part concerning the reform of the advocacy.

The first constituent meeting of the Working Group took place on January 2, with the participation of representatives of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) and European advocacy. They are planned to be involved in the work as external experts, which will ensure compliance with European standards.

Some international experts expressed their support for such initiatives in their welcoming remarks.

            Roman Završek, advocate (Slovenia), current president of the CCBE:

— Since I am speaking today in my personal capacity, I would just like to say that I will do everything possible to help you implement the standards that you will subsequently propose to parliament and which will become part of the new laws, and I hope that this law will be adopted as soon as possible and pave the way for Ukraine to join the EU — for the Ukrainian nation and for Ukrainian advocates.

             James MacGuill, advocate (Ireland), CCBE president 2022–2023:

— You have our 100% support — all of our Ukrainian colleagues — at this extremely difficult time for your country. We know how important it will be for Ukraine to join the European Union as a future safeguard, and we will do everything we can to help you. From an Irish perspective (this is our national policy) — to speed up the process of Ukraine's accession.

              Marie-Aimée Peyron, chairman of the International Committee of the French National Bar Council (CNB):

— It is a great pleasure for me to be with you. Of course, today you know that you have our full support in this work. I see all the work that has been done. It is impressive. It is always very important to organize judicial reform, reform of advocacy, and ensure the independence of advocacy... And to work with you, applying our expertise in all these areas — discipline, deontology, ethics, organization, admission, and exams for admission to the profession.

Let us remind you that, in accordance with Part 3 of Article 4 of the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer, which Ukraine is to sign and ratify, the parties shall ensure timely and effective consultation with professional associations on government proposals for any changes in legislation, procedural and administrative rules that directly affect the professional activities of advocates and the regulation of the profession.