On May 14, 2026, Viktor Surnyk, Managing Partner at ALARIUS Law Firm and Doctor of Philosophy in Law, spoke at the III International Scientific and Practical Conference titled “Public Power in the Conditions of Martial Law: Challenges, Solutions, European Vector”. Hosted at the Institute of Law of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (KNU), the high-level event marked the 15th anniversary of the Department of Administrative Law and Process, bringing together leading experts in public administration, justice, and legal scholarship.
In his keynote presentation, “Judicial Administration during the War: Ukraine's Experience and European Integration Standards of Good Governance,” Mr. Surnyk focused on the critical preservation and institutional reform of the judiciary under martial law, emphasizing that a robust judicial system serves as the material embodiment of the rule of law, without which statehood loses its meaning.
Defending Institutional Resilience Amid Martial LawThe central theme of the address sparked an active discussion regarding current legislative initiatives aimed at liquidating the State Judicial Administration (SJA) of Ukraine and redistributing its functions.
Reflecting on recent years, Mr. Surnyk noted that the SJA has proven its operational capability under supercritical conditions—successfully ensuring the relocation of courts, safeguarding judicial archives, and restoring damaged infrastructure. He cautioned that eliminating the SJA under current circumstances would represent a significant step backward from European integration standards:
“My thesis is clear: the liquidation of the State Judicial Administration of Ukraine under martial law dismantles the infrastructure of justice precisely when it is most needed. This is not merely an organizational misstep—it is a regression in our negotiation process with the EU.”
Adhering to European Standards and the Separation of PowersParticular emphasis was placed on Ukraine's international commitments. Citing recommendations from the Venice Commission and GRECO, Mr. Surnyk underscored that judicial administration must remain institutionally separated from the executive branch. Drawing parallels with successful governance models in France, the Netherlands, and Poland, he highlighted that strengthening independent administrative bodies is a pan-European trend. He warned that subordinating court administration to executive structures, such as the Ministry of Justice, directly violates the separation of powers: “Whoever controls financing, facilities, and remuneration holds real levers of influence over the system.”
Addressing concerns over institutional transparency, Mr. Surnyk argued that existing challenges should drive qualitative reform rather than institutional destruction, observing:
“A sick person needs treatment, not destruction. An institution in need of modernization requires auditing and digital transformation, not liquidation.”
A Strategic Roadmap for Post-War Judicial RecoveryTo resolve systemic challenges, Mr. Surnyk proposed a comprehensive strategic roadmap featuring:
- Legislative delimitation of functions between the SJA and the High Council of Justice (HCJ);
- Enhanced parliamentary oversight and accountability mechanisms;
- Integration of the SJA into Ukraine's post-war reconstruction framework as a primary coordinator for restoring the judicial network.
Participating actively in expert panels and collaborative discussions, Mr. Surnyk reaffirmed that a strong and independent judicial administration remains the bedrock of an effective justice system.
The team at ALARIUS Law Firm extends its warmest congratulations to our colleagues at the Department of Administrative Law and Process on their 15th anniversary and remains dedicated to advancing the professional legal landscape in Ukraine.
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