Ukraine and Venice Commission discuss fulfillment of European Commission's recommendations

MOSCOW. May 5 (Interfax) - Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olga Stefanishina and a Venice Commission delegation have discussed the progress made in fulfilling the European Commission's recommendations regarding the selection of Ukrainian Constitutional Court judges and the implementation of anti-oligarch and national minority laws.

Apart from Stefanishina, the meeting was attended by Venice Commission President Claire Bazy Malaurie, the commission's Vice President Angelika Nussberger, commission members Philip Dimitrov and Jan Velaers, the commission's Secretary Simona Granata, and legal advisor Tanya Van Dyke, Ukrainian media said, citing Stefanishina's press service.

"It is the first time Ukraine has held a competition to select Constitutional Court Judges. Our unconditional priority is to ensure that this competition is transparent, open and in compliance with the best standards. Our approach to this issue is most responsible, realizing its importance, including for Ukraine's further movement toward membership in the EU. The bill registered at the Verkhovna Rada has been drafted based on the results of consultations with the Venice Commission. International experts will play a decisive role in evaluating the moral qualities and integrity of candidates. It is an important 'safety lock' that will prevent candidates who do not meet the integrity criteria from making it to the next rounds of the competition," Stefanishina was quoted by her press service as saying. The deputy prime minister also emphasized the importance of launching the competition process as soon as possible and invited Venice Commission members to nominate their representatives to the advisory group following the adoption of legislative amendments regarding the selection of candidates for Constitutional Court judges.

The Ukrainian side also briefed the Venice Commission delegation on measures and steps taken to implement the laws protecting national minorities.

In particular, a draft concept of Ukraine's Unity in Diversity targeted national and cultural program for the period until 2034 will soon be submitted to the government for consideration, and work on this program's content has already begun.

"As regards the implementation of the anti-oligarch laws, the deputy prime minister said that it is important to take account of the specific conditions in which Ukraine is living today. She also spoke about upcoming steps intended to strengthen economic competition, i.e. amendments to anti-monopoly legislation in line with EU laws," the press service said.