The Verkhovna Rada failed to appoint two judges to the Constitutional Court
A step backwards has been taken in Ukraine’s European integration. Today, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine failed to vote for the appointment of two judges to the Constitutional Court (CCU). MPs did not support any of the four candidates selected by the Advisory Group of Experts, which includes international experts.
- It is telling that this issue was added to the agenda only the day before, seemingly with the intention of ensuring that no one would be appointed. It was clear in advance that there would not be enough votes. In this scenario, it appears to be a deliberate move by the authorities. For international partners, the government will offer its usual excuse: “We didn’t have enough votes,” “MPs didn’t support the candidates.” Yet, as experience shows, when there is political will, the votes are found.
- The essence remains the same — the CCU remains understaffed (only 13 out of 18 judges), and Ukraine once again appears unable to fulfil its own commitments. The reform of the Constitutional Court is the first of the seven requirements Ukraine received to maintain EU candidate status and open accession negotiations.
- The Verkhovna Rada had been delaying the appointment of judges to these two vacant CCU positions for eight months. Now, after the failed vote, the process must start over again: a new competition must be announced, and the Advisory Group of Experts must be involved once more. Even worse, such irresponsibility discourages high-integrity lawyers from participating in open competitions. Why invest time and effort if, even after winning fairly, you will simply not be appointed? Clearly, politicians are hoping to later secure controllable rather than independent candidates.
Leaving the Constitutional Court on the brink of a quorum undermines both public trust and the country’s European perspective. After all, the Constitutional Court is crucial for all reforms and for ensuring the rule of law in Ukraine.
