The rule of law in the state ensures clear rules of the game and allows citizens to live in an independent democratic country. To establish and operate such rules, the government must work efficiently and effectively, laws must be enforced, and independent, unbiased justice must be guaranteed. The rule of law is about the quality of citizens’ lives, the economy, and the country’s investment attractiveness.

By focusing our efforts on developing the rule of law in Ukraine, we work in the following areas:

• European integration. Building a state of law and strengthening democracy require ensuring a transparent and inclusive process of bringing Ukraine closer to the EU through advocacy and analytical support for reforms, involving civil society in preparing Ukraine’s negotiation positions, and implementing European standards into the national environment.
• Elections. Despite the suspension of the electoral process during martial law, it is important to improve electoral legislation, adapt it to international standards and technological challenges, and maintain conditions for citizens to exercise their rights to make an informed choice and the right to be elected through transparent and democratic processes in the future.
• Access to information. Experts from CEDEM, as co-authors of the Law on access to public information, pay special attention to implementing the law through training civil servants and citizens, developing a community of activists in this sphere, and working on successful judicial practices.

Within this direction, CEDEM experts prepare analytical and informational products, develop draft solutions to problematic issues in the sector, participate in government and parliamentary working groups and carry out informational and advocacy campaigns.