December 11, 2025
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's membership in the Council of Europe, an expert discussion was held on December 5, 2025, on the topic: “Execution of European Court of Human Rights judgments in Ukraine – Ensuring Democratic Security in Ukraine: Achievements, Challenges, and Perspectives.” The event was organised by the Department for the Execution of Judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) as part of the procedure for monitoring the execution of ECHR judgments by Ukraine. Judge Oksana Hryshchuk participated in the event on behalf of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine.
This event provided an opportunity for representatives of state authorities, judicial and international institutions to discuss Ukraine's key achievements in executing ECHR judgments throughout its membership in the Council of Europe. Particular attention was focused on the period after the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022, when new challenges arose.
It was emphasised that Ukraine is actively working to execute ECHR judgments by integrating European human rights standards. The intensity and quality of the execution of judgments are subject to ongoing analysis by the Council of Europe.
During the strategic discussion, institutional and practical challenges in the execution of ECHR judgments in Ukraine in the context of the ongoing aggressive war were identified. In this context, answers were provided, in particular, to the following questions: how has the full-scale aggressive war affected the institutional capacity of state bodies to ensure the execution of ECHR judgments; what challenges arise in their execution due to the loss of control over part of the territory. Practical limitations in the execution of ECHR judgments (lack of access to the crime scene, inability to locate or interview witnesses) and financial and procedural barriers were also discussed.
Participants also discussed recent and planned legislative changes regarding the execution of ECHR judgments and emphasised the importance of their execution as a key element for further European integration.
Oksana Hryshchuk, a judge of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, joined the discussion on the issues outlined. She focused on the experience of applying ECHR practice by the Constitutional Court of Ukraine and noted that the legal positions of the ECHR are an important guideline for the Court.
In conclusion, the participants identified ways to strengthen national mechanisms for the execution of ECHR judgments.
