22 July 2015 Federation of Employers of Ukraine. AMU

Rule of Law Is a Basis of Ukraine’s Independence, – AMU

Without a proper functioning of the rule of law Ukrainian independence is incomplete. This was stated by Lord MacDonald, Head of the Rule of Law workstream in the Agency for the modernization of Ukraine, during a roundtable organized by the AMU in Kiev.
 
The next meeting of the European team of the Agency for the modernization with the civil society of Ukraine was held by Lord MacDonald, the legal expert, member of the House of Lords, Chief Prosecutor of England and Wales (2003-2008). The round table was attended by European and Ukrainian current and former judges, legal experts and members of the civil society.
 
During the debate, Lord MacDonald said that the question of rule of law establishing in Ukraine was not just a question of an integration into the EU; it was a matter of nation’s realization, which would serve as a protection of human rights, national security and territorial integrity.
 
“The absence of the rule of law in Ukraine has led to impunity and corruption, ruined lives and compromised reputation of a whole generation of judges, law enforcement officials and civil servants”, said Lord Ken MacDonald.
 
The package of recommendations for reforms in Ukraine, which Lord MacDonald was engaged in along with the AMU team, contained provisions that could restore confidence in the domestic Themis, said Dmitry Firtash, the President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine.
 
“The judicial system should be the body that can guarantee protection of investors regardless of circumstances. Every person who invests wants to have confidence in a safety of his investments. Of course, judicial reform is the first that investor waits, he waits for a protection of his assets”, said Dmitry Firtash.
 
It was a corruption in the judicial system of Ukraine that frightened foreign investors, as well as explained the outflow of capital from the country, said Michael Spindelegger, the AMU President. “Disability of the rule of law in Ukraine will force foreign investors to stay away. At the same time, investors are what the country desperately needs”, stressed Michael Spindelegger, the Vice-Chancellor of Austria (2008-2014).
 
The judicial system should be a triumph of independence, the AMU experts say. In turn, creation of a functioning system of the rule of law in Ukraine will be the fundamental basis for attracting foreign investment.
 
Former royal prosecutor Lord MacDonald said that law enforcement agencies needed to enter a competitive process, to act accountable, professionally and independently.
 
“Today, the image of the judicial system in Ukraine is totally destroyed”, he said adding that the delay in the establishment of an effective system of the rule of law could have devastating consequences for the future of Ukraine. “Civil proceedings must be simplified and deregulated. The criminal justice system must make a commitment to protect human rights”, said Lord MacDonald.
 
The next round table of the Agency and civil society in Ukraine will focus on the modernization of the Ukrainian economy. It will be held under the chairmanship of the former Prime Minister of Poland Waldemar Pawlak in Kiev, July 29, 2015.
 
NOTE
The Agency for the Modernization of Ukraine is a non-governmental organization headquartered in Vienna. The AMU has united prominent politicians, scientists and experts from the European Union to meet the challenges facing Ukraine today. The results of the AMU work will be reflected in the Program for the Modernization of Ukraine, which will be presented to Ukrainian and Western European public in the autumn of 2015.