From sanctions to refugee status: how the European Court of Justice works

“From sanctions to the status of Ukrainian refugees”: Bohdan Khmelnytsky saw with his own eyes how the European Court of Justice works

The founder and managing partner of Strategic Advocacy Attorneys at Law, Bohdan Khmelnytsky, is on a business trip to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg. This court is a key institution of the European Union that makes decisions on the compliance of national laws with EU law, as well as considers complaints against decisions of European governments and international organizations. An important area of its activity today is litigation over sanctions imposed by the EU against Russia in response to its military aggression against Ukraine.

“Oligarchs and companies with Russian roots are trying to challenge the sanctions through this court and regain control over the frozen assets. The Ukrainian side and its allies insist that these funds should be used to rebuild destroyed cities and communities, as well as part of the compensation for the damage caused by the war. Russia must be held accountable not only in international criminal courts, but also financially – by paying for the destruction it has caused to Ukraine,” Bohdan Khmelnytsky said.

In addition, according to the lawyer, the European Court of Justice deals with cases that directly affect Ukrainians, including the issue of their status as refugees in the EU.

“It is here that important decisions are made on the legal regulation of stay, social guarantees and international protection of Ukrainian citizens who were forced to leave the country because of the war,” Bohdan Khmelnytsky clarifies.

The participation of Ukrainian lawyers in international legal processes and the exchange of experience with European colleagues is an important step in strengthening Ukraine’s position in the international legal sphere. The knowledge gained will allow us to work more effectively to protect Ukrainians affected by the war, to assist in matters of international law, sanctions restrictions and compensation for damages.

A visit to the European Court of Justice will allow us to adapt the international experience gained to work in Ukraine, strengthening the legal position of Ukrainians in both national and international jurisdictions.

“The legal front is an equally important component of Ukraine’s struggle. Justice must be restored, and Russia must pay for all the crimes, murders and destruction it has caused to our country. The work of human rights defenders and lawyers in international courts is another step towards victory,” summarizes lawyer Bohdan Khmelnytsky.