Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky worked on a comprehensive strategic plan to reform the country’s criminal law and law enforcement system so it would conform to EU standards.
Zelensky said in his video address: “We need to ensure a law and order system for our country that is consistent with our goal of Ukraine’s rapid accession to the EU.
“Every element of the state system, especially law enforcement agencies, must function in such a way that people really feel safe.
“ People should really feel justice and let the daily work of those who judge the state be guaranteed at the level of institutions.
“Confidence in the state is based on trust in those who act on behalf of the state.”
He said that law enforcement agencies and the prosecutor’s office would be key to achieving the goal.
“Ukraine should become, and already is, a place of strength for Europe and the entire free world.
“The state must ensure the highest level of security, the highest level of freedom, the highest level of respect for the law and for the people of Ukraine,” Zelensky added.
According to him, after the war, Ukraine must be a state with model of life respected by all.
“The way to get there starts now.”
Ukraine became an official candidate for EU membership last summer.
However, the 27-member group still has to unanimously decide on negotiations.
A positive vote is expected once Ukraine has fulfilled seven conditions.
These include rules governing the selection procedure for constitutional judges and a stronger fight against corruption especially at a high level.
The European Union also demands that standards against money laundering be met and a law against excessive influence of oligarchs be enforced. (dpa/NAN)