Ukraine, Germany and the European Union launch Phase II of the 3*E4U Programme to support Ukraine's EU accession in the rule of law area

The Strengthening Ukraine's EU Alignment in the Rule of Law (3*E4U) Programme officially launches Phase II of its implementation. The new phase, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and the European Union and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, will strengthen support for Ukraine's EU accession process through reforms in the Rule of Law, justice and fundamental rights, law enforcement, and the fight against organised crime.

The launch event for Phase II, “Reaching for the Star: Taking the 3*E Road to Judicial and Law Enforcement Reform for EU Accession”, took place on 11 June 2026 in Kyiv. It brought together representatives of state institutions, international partners, the expert community and civil society to discuss progress on the Rule of Law and law enforcement reforms on Ukraine's path towards the European Union. Particular attention was given to key results developed in cooperation with the Government of Ukraine, international partners, experts and civil society, as well as to the main priorities of the next phase of the Programme.

Katarína Mathernová, European Union Ambassador to Ukraine, emphasised:

“Rule of Law is at the heart of citizens’ trust in the state, its institutions and Ukraine’s future membership in the European Union. Since the Revolution of Dignity, Ukraine has pursued a profound transformation driven by a commitment to democratic values, accountable institutions and justice, and accelerated it since applying for the EU membership. The Rule of Law Roadmap provides a clear framework for the next stage of Ukraine’s European journey. We are pleased to join forces with Germany through the second phase of 3*E4U to support the implementation of these reforms and further advance Ukraine’s path towards EU membership.”

Since 2024, 3*E4U has been supporting Ukraine’s EU accession by strengthening the Rule of Law and contributing to reforms under both Chapter 23 and Chapter 24 agenda, including justice, fundamental rights, security, law enforcement, and related areas of EU alignment. 3*E4U has provided important input to the development of the Rule of Law Roadmap and continues to support its implementation. In close cooperation with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other state institutions, as well as international partners, experts and civil society, 3*E4U provides comprehensive support to advance Rule of Law reforms and strengthen Ukraine’s readiness for EU accession negotiations.

Heiko Thoms, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Ukraine, noted:

“Germany is a steadfast supporter of Ukraine’s accession to the EU. The launch of the Phase II of the 3*E4U Programme opens a new stage of support focused on the consistent implementation of Rule of Law reforms, with particular focus on judicial reform, fundamental rights and law enforcement reform. Germany will continue to support Ukraine in strengthening the Rule of Law and preparing for EU membership, and we are very happy that the European Union has joined this effort.”

The launch of Phase II marks an important step in the transition from strategic planning to coordinated reform implementation. The Programme will continue to work in close cooperation with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other state institutions, international partners, the expert community and civil society, supporting reforms that are evidence-based, politically feasible and aligned with EU standards and requirements. It will extend its focus to reforms in the law enforcement sector, with particular focus on combatting organised crime.

Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, said:

“For Ukraine, Rule of Law reforms go far beyond the formal requirements of the negotiation process. They are part of a profound internal transformation of the state and the foundation of our progress towards the European Union. The approval of the Roadmaps was an important step; however, the real results will depend on the quality of the practical implementation of the necessary steps and reforms. We value the support of the European Union, Germany and the 3*E4U Programme, which helps Ukraine move forward in a systematic, professional and responsible way.”

Mathias Steinebach, Programme Director of 3*E4U, underlined:

“The second phase of 3*E4U starts at a moment when strategic documents must be translated into concrete decisions and practical steps. Our 3*E approach – expertise, experience and exchange – helps connect Ukrainian reform leadership with the best European practices. We work together with state institutions, experts, civil society and international partners to make complex reforms understandable, coordinated and realistic. 3*E4U will continue to support Ukraine in advancing reforms across the whole Rule of Law system to create independent and effective institutions for justice, fundamental rights protection, and law enforcement.”

The event agenda also included thematic discussions on strengthening justice institutions, the judiciary and fundamental rights, as well as law enforcement and the fight against organised crime. The closing remarks were followed by a networking session.

Background information

3*E4U stands for Expertise, Experience and Exchange for EU Accession. The Programme supports Ukraine's EU accession by strengthening the Rule of Law and aligning Ukrainian legislation and reform practice with EU standards. It is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in cooperation with Ukrainian partners, including the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, the Government Office for Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine and the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, with funding from the German Federal Foreign Office and the European Union.

3*E4U has contributed to strengthening the Rule of Law by supporting the development of 14 draft reform documents and two national Roadmaps, while mobilising 95 legal and policy experts for Ukraine’s EU alignment. The Programme has facilitated 2,518 participations, supported 90 hours of screening exercises, and helped reflect 16 experiences in Ukraine’s negotiation approach. Through expert input, capacity-building, and dialogue between government institutions, civil society, experts and international partners, 3*E4U has also contributed to making the negotiation process more participatory, with 76% of participants rating it as more inclusive and participative.

For additional information, please contact Yulianna Velbovets, Communications Team Leader of Good Multi-Level Governance Cluster, yulianna.velbovets@giz.de or +38 (067) 137 2920.