Ukraine strengthens international access to justice: Convention on International Access to Justice enters into force.

On August 1, 2026, the Convention on International Access to Justice, adopted within the framework of the work of the Hague Conference on Private International Law, officially entered into force for Ukraine. As the Ministry of Justice notes in its explanation dated August 3, 2026, accession to the Convention is an important step in the implementation of the Roadmap on the rule of law within the framework of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union. The document is designed to eliminate practical and financial barriers that citizens may encounter when applying to courts of foreign states in civil, family and commercial matters.

The Convention introduces unified mechanisms for cooperation between the participating states, thanks to which citizens of Ukraine will be able to receive free legal assistance abroad on conditions similar to those applied to citizens of the relevant state. The central body responsible for the implementation of the provisions of the Convention in Ukraine is the Ministry of Justice, which will coordinate the receipt and forwarding of relevant applications, as well as ensure interaction with competent authorities of foreign states.