The Roadmap does not provide for the dismantling of the current model of advocacy — report

The Roadmap on the rule of law is not a law, directive, or other binding regulatory act and, accordingly, does not establish direct legal obligations regarding a specific institutional model of bar self-government.

This is emphasized in the analytical report «The National Bar Association of Ukraine in the context of the rule of law and European integration», which was prepared by the American Armada Network and presented in early February at the European Parliament.

In particular, the report examines the legal nature of the Roadmap, approved by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 475-r of May 14, 2025. It notes that, in essence, it is a policy document adopted in the context of Ukraine's European integration process.

«The Roadmap defines the strategic goals, key benchmarks, and timeframes for reforms, leaving the state and professional institutions room to choose the forms and mechanisms for their implementation, - the analytical report says. - This approach is consistent with the nature of European integration instruments, which are aimed at achieving results rather than strictly regulating the internal organization of independent professional institutions».

Four key objectives for reforming advocacy are also identified, which the provisions of the Roadmap are aimed at achieving:

1. Bringing legislation on advocacy into line with the standards of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
2. Increasing the level of transparency and accountability of bar self-government bodies.
3. Improving conditions for access to the profession, disciplinary procedures, and the system of continuing professional development.
4. Implementing EU directives regulating the cross-border activities of advocates.

At the same time, researchers point out that the Roadmap does not contain provisions that would destroy the current model of bar self-government, does not establish requirements for the subordination of bar self-government bodies to state authorities, and does not impose any specific organizational structure on the professional community.

Shadow report to the section «Justice and fundamental rights» The European Commission's report on Ukraine, prepared by civil society organizations with the support of the EU Project «Pravo-Justice», replaces the logic of the Roadmap with demands for a detailed institutional restructuring of the UNBA, which in fact goes beyond the scope of what «shadow» reporting should do.