Supreme Court and All-Ukrainian Non-Governmental Organisation “European Law Students’ Association Ukraine” (ELSA Ukraine) sign Memorandum of Cooperation

Ukraine’s development as part of the civilised world community presupposes openness and the deepening of cooperation with the international community, including through interaction with student organisations whose activities are aimed at intercultural dialogue and the creation of a shared environment for representatives of different legal systems.

This was emphasised by the President of the Supreme Court, Stanislav Kravchenko, during a meeting with representatives of the All-Ukrainian Non-Governmental Organisation “European Law Students’ Association Ukraine” (ELSA Ukraine), which forms part of the international ELSA network – a student organisation uniting law students and young lawyers. The Association is represented in 43 European countries.

“Today’s law students will in due course become representatives of the legal profession – advocates, judges, prosecutors and academics. It is on their professional culture and training that the shape of the national legal system of tomorrow will depend. That is why the Supreme Court has always been actively involved in the development of high-quality legal education and in supporting the professional development of student youth,” the President of the Supreme Court noted.

Acting President of ELSA Ukraine Kamila Yaremchuk explained that the Association implements projects aimed at popularising the legal profession, providing opportunities for communication within the European student community and raising the level of legal culture among young people. Establishing cooperation with the Supreme Court will expand opportunities for students to familiarise themselves with the work of the court of cassation and to hold joint educational events, Kamila Yaremchuk stated.

During the meeting the parties signed a Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at the professional development of future lawyers, the exchange of knowledge and immersion in the activities of Ukraine’s judicial system.

Among the specific areas of further cooperation identified by the President of the Supreme Court and the representatives of ELSA Ukraine were the development of new formats of events (such as an open day), the holding of legal competitions for students with the prospect of undertaking internships or placements at the Supreme Court, the involvement of Ukrainian legal youth in international events on legal topics, the organisation of moot court hearings, and familiarising future lawyers with the Supreme Court’s practice concerning the application of EU law, the protection of social rights in the conditions of full-scale war, the consideration of war crimes, and other matters.

Also taking part in the meeting were the Treasurer of ELSA Ukraine, Mykhailo Risenberh, and the Secretary General of ELSA Ukraine, Arsen Kir.