On 29 April 2025, an educational webinar titled “Core Values of the EU: Effective Judicial System and Combating Corruption. Trust in the Judiciary” was held as part of the ongoing partnership between the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM, Vienna, Austria).

The session featured Dr. Gabriel M. Lentner, Associate Professor of International Law and Arbitration, Deputy Head of the Department of Law and International Relations at the University for Continuing Education Krems (Austria).

In his presentation, Dr. Lentner outlined the European Union’s core principles for safeguarding judicial independence, combating corruption, and fostering public trust in the judiciary – an essential foundation of democratic governance.

Special focus was placed on Chapter 23 “Judiciary and Fundamental Rights” of the EU acquis, with detailed discussion of strategies to enhance judicial efficiency, ensure equal access to justice, leverage digital tools, and implement effective EU anti-corruption policies.

The Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine extends its sincere gratitude to Professor Gabriel M. Lentner for his insightful and timely lecture, and to the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) for their support in organizing the event.

Simultaneous interpretation for the webinar was provided thanks to “Ukraine2EU – EU Integration Support Programme for Ukraine”, which made the event accessible to a wider audience.