1000 days of military aggression: the EU continues to stand with Ukraine - A Ukrainian EUVP participant shares his views

Real reform begins with new ideas and knowledge. To build an effective judicial system, it is essential to learn from the best practices in the world.

My name is Oleksandr Vasiuk, and I am a Member of the Parliament of Ukraine. I am part of the Committee on Legal Policy, focusing on judicial reform and the adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to EU standards. In the autumn of 2024, I became a participant in the European Union Visitors Programme (EUVP). This visit opened new horizons for my work: I had the opportunity to meet with key figures in European institutions, discussing important issues related to judicial and anti-corruption reforms.

During my visit, I gained valuable experience and knowledge that will help me in my professional career as a Member of Parliament. I had many interesting and useful meetings in Brussels and Strasbourg with representatives of the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), the head of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the Deputy Head of the Ukraine Division of the European External Action Service, and Members of the European Parliament from Lithuania, Bulgaria, Poland, Germany, and Denmark.

We discussed various topics including; judicial reform in Ukraine and the fight against corruption; deepening cooperation with the EU on issues related to the rule of law and financial management; Ukraine's Eurointegration; cooperation in the fight against fraud and corruption; and legislative initiatives to strengthen anti-corruption structures. We also exchanged experiences in enhancing anti-corruption mechanisms; engaging EU expertise in the fight against corruption; Ukraine's participation in European programs; deepening economic cooperation between Ukraine and the EU; strengthening bilateral relations between Ukraine and EU countries; and support at the international level on key issues.

My EUVP study visit expanded my knowledge of the workings of European institutions and provided an opportunity to adopt and implement that experience in Ukraine, which is currently on the path to full EU membership. Participation in the EUVP also helped me broaden my perspective on international relations and EU policy-making. I met many important people with whom I plan to continue collaborating in the fight against corruption and the implementation of judicial reform in Ukraine.

I thank the EUVP team for this invaluable opportunity, excellent organisation, and substantive meetings. I am confident that the knowledge gained and new contacts will contribute to the further implementation of reforms in Ukraine, bringing us closer to European standards.