• Date: October 12-19, 2025
• Location: Landshuter Str. 4, 93047 Regensburg
• Organized by: “Denkraum Ukraine” / “Think Space Ukraine” at the University of Regensburg, financed by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) through the funds from the Federal Foreign Office (AA), Institute for East European Law
• Language: English 

Just days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Ukraine formally applied for membership in the European Union (EU). In the same year, Ukraine was granted candidate status and accession negotiations with the EU officially began in June 2024. The 33 negotiating chapters are organised into six thematic clusters: (1) Fundamentals, (2) Internal market, (3) Competitiveness & inclusive growth, (4) Green agenda & sustainable connectivity, (5) Resources, agriculture & cohesion, (6) External relations. The screening process for all clusters was completed on October 2, 2025. The Fundamentals cluster—comprising Chapters 23, 24, 5, 18, and 32—is expected to be opened next. This cluster not only marks the beginning of Ukraine’s accession process but will also be the last to be closed.

As part of the research area War, Peace, and Post-War Order of the Center for Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies, “Denkraum Ukraine” / “Think Space Ukraine”, this workshop focuses on the establishment and long-term safeguarding of rule of law structures, in line with EU accession Chapters 23 “Judiciary and Fundamental Rights” and 24 “Justice, Freedom and Security”. The workshop particularly seeks to address challenges Ukraine faces in fulfilling these core legal and institutional criteria amid the ongoing war, in anticipation of a future post-war legal order, and within the broader political context of EU enlargement.

Program

While our geographical focus is on Ukraine and other potential EU membership countries of Eastern Europe, speakers from a wide range of countries and related fields will contribute their academic insights and help foster a multidimensional understanding of fundamental rule of law issues.

You can find the whole program of the workshop here. The lectures and presentations are open for everyone interested in the topics. 

Keynote lecture

EU Accession – a Challenge for Ukraine and the EU

14 October 2025, 19:00-20:00, Room Nr. 017, Ground floor, Landshuter Str. 4, Regensburg

Speaker: Prof. Dr. Rainer Wedde (Wiesbaden Business School, Member of the Board of the German-Ukrainian Jurists’ Association, Co-leader of the Legal Section of the German Association for East European Studies)

Abstract

Ukraine's desire to join the EU remains unchanged. However, the process is both lengthy and complex. Ukraine must overcome numerous challenges, including legal ones. At the same time, EU enlargement to include countries such as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, as well as those in the Balkans, would pose challenges for the EU. With 27 member states, the EU is already reaching its organisational limits. The keynote speech will present a number of arguments on this topic, leading into a discussion.

The keynote lecture is open to everyone interested, without prior registration. We look forward to welcoming you!