06.07.2026

Participants of the International conference discussed the role of the Constitution of Ukraine in consolidating Ukrainian statehood, the significance of the Constitution for the democratic development of the state, the transformation of contemporary constitutional doctrine, and the challenges facing Ukrainian constitutionalism in the context of full-scale war, post-war reconstruction and Ukraine’s European integration.

The event, titled “Ukrainian Constitutionalism in the XXI Century: Constitutional development, ordeal of war, challenges of european integration”, was attended by the Acting Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, Oleksandr Petryshyn, and judges of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine: Yurii Barabash, Oleksandr Vodiannikov, Viktor Gorodovenko, Oksana Hryshchuk, Viktor Kychun, Vasyl Lemak, Alla Oliinyk, Serhiy Riznyk, Olga Sovgyria, Galyna Yurovska, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk; Federal Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection of Germany Stefanie Hubig; Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre and Deputy Head of the OSCE Secretariat Kate Fearon; Judge of the European Court of Human Rights from Ukraine (ECHR) Mykola Gnatovskyy; Member of the European Parliament, Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Law of Vytautas the Great University, International Legal Adviser, Member of the Venice Commission (2018–2026), and President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Lithuania (2014–2021), Dainius Žalimas Secretary of the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court Serhiy Pohribnyi; Dean of the Faculty of Law of Ilia State University, International Legal Advisor, President of the Constitutional Court of Georgia (2006–2016) George Papuashvili; International Legal Adviser, Member of the Venice Commission (2017–2022), President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Moldova (2011–2017) Alexandru Tănase, as well as representatives of international organisations, diplomatic missions and government agencies of foreign countries, heads of constitutional and supreme courts of European states, and Ukrainian and foreign academics.

Opening the International Conference, Acting Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine Oleksandr Petryshyn, congratulated the participants on the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of Ukraine and emphasised that the Constitution is a solid legal foundation for modern Ukrainian statehood, democracy, the rule of the people, freedom and the rule of law.

“The Constitution is not only the legal basis for the functioning of public authorities, but also a system of fundamental values that unite society around respect for human dignity, freedom, justice and human rights,” Acting Chairman noted.

Oleksandr Petryshyn emphasised that during a full-scale war, constitutional values take on particular significance, remaining a guiding principle for the activities of state authorities and civil society. He drew particular attention to the role of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, which has been entrusted with the crucial mission of ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution of Ukraine throughout the entire territory of the state.

He expressed his conviction that the Constitution of Ukraine will continue to serve as a reliable foundation for the country’s democratic development, the effective protection of human rights, the strengthening of democratic institutions, and the establishment of Ukraine as a full member of the European community of democratic states.

Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk, noted that the Constitution of Ukraine is not merely a legal act, but also a political covenant between generations, a reflection of the will of Ukrainian society and the foundation of Ukrainian statehood.

He emphasised the special role of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine as a body of constitutional jurisdiction, tasked with ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution of Ukraine.

“The Constitutional Court of Ukraine is called upon to act as an arbiter between the authorities and the Constitution. Not as a political player, not as a participant in political debates, but precisely as a body of constitutional jurisdiction which ensures and upholds the supremacy of Ukraine’s Basic Law. Its authority is built not on the power of its mandate, but on the power of trust. A strong Constitutional Court is a prerequisite for democracy,” emphasised Ruslan Stefanchuk.

In his video address, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, stressed that even during the ongoing war, constitutional issues cannot be put on hold, as it is precisely the principles enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine that are the source of the Ukrainian state’s democratic strength and the Ukrainian people’s right to determine their own future.

“Ukraine’s Constitution, which has defined the foundations of Ukrainian statehood for thirty years, will remain a vital pillar of the state even after the war ends,” he added.

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe emphasised that lasting peace in Ukraine is impossible without justice. In this regard, he highlighted the Council of Europe’s work to ensure accountability for crimes against Ukraine, particularly as part of the process of establishing a Special Tribunal.

In her address, Germany’s Federal Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection, Stefanie Hubig, expressed her respect for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, who, in the midst of a full-scale war, are defending not only their territorial integrity and independence, but also democratic values, the rule of law, freedom and human dignity.

“Ukraine will prevail, achieve a just peace and take its rightful place in the European community, founded on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms,” she emphasised.

The speaker noted that Ukraine stands on the side of justice and the rule of law, and that its aspiration to be a democratic state governed by the rule of law and part of the European community deserves comprehensive support. In this context, she highlighted the importance of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine as an institution that promotes the protection of human rights, the establishment of the rule of law and the development of constitutional justice, in particular through the mechanism of individual constitutional complaints.