New Administrative Courts Established in Ukraine to Enhance Justice System
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has officially approved legislation to establish two new administrative courts. This move marks a significant step in fulfilling commitments to international partners, albeit with some delays. Information regarding the new bill No. 13302 is available on the website of the Verkhovna Rada.
Specifically, the legislation refers to the Specialized District Administrative Court and the Specialized Administrative Court of Appeal, which will handle cases involving central government authorities.
The bill was introduced by the president in May 2025, and the Verkhovna Rada approved it on September 16.
The establishment of these courts was stipulated in the memorandum with the IMF and the European Commission as part of the Ukraine Facility plan. Ukraine was advised to implement this project back in 2024, but the process has been delayed by almost a year. Documentation from international organizations indicated that the new judicial framework should enhance the protection of citizens' rights in conflicts with government authorities.
The law specifies that both courts will be located in Kyiv and will have jurisdiction across the entire country. Within a month, the High Qualification Commission of Judges will initiate a competition for vacant positions.
To assess the integrity and professional qualifications of candidates, an expert council will be established, serving as an additional control mechanism.
The creation of the new Supreme Administrative Court (SAC) was a crucial requirement of the agreement with the IMF at the end of 2023. This court will replace the dissolved District Administrative Court (DAC).
The new court will deal with cases related to the activities of national government bodies, such as the National Bank, NABU, and NACP.