President Signs Law on Establishing Courts for Public-Law Disputes

On September 30, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed Law No. 4602-IX (Draft Law No. 13302) “On the Establishment of the Specialized District Administrative Court and the Specialized Administrative Court of Appeal.”

The newly established courts will have nationwide jurisdiction, meaning they will handle cases against the highest authorities, including the Cabinet of Ministers, ministries, and other central executive bodies.

The courts will be established based on principles of independent competitive selection, integrity, and competence control. It is expected that, as a result, the specialized administrative courts will become an effective tool for protecting the rights, freedoms, and interests of individuals in public-law relations with the state.

Every citizen will have the opportunity to apply to the Specialized District Administrative Court if they believe that a decision by a government body or official violates the law or their rights. In case of disagreement with the court’s decision, they will have the right to appeal it.

The Ministry of Justice emphasized that the adoption of this law is part of Ukraine’s negotiation process for EU membership. The creation of specialized administrative courts in Ukraine is provided for in the IMF Memorandum on Economic and Financial Policy, the European Commission Report on Ukraine dated October 30, 2024, the Ukraine Facility Plan, and the Rule of Law Roadmap.