OPORA Lawyer: The Draft Law on Political Parties is Part of Our European Integration Obligations, with Only 2 Years for Implementation

The European Commission (EC) report provides information on reforms implemented and on problems that require further resolution. Among them are issues related to electoral reform.

On October 31, 2025, a round table titled "Electoral Campaigns Abroad: International Practice and Recommendations for Ukraine" was held in Kyiv in a hybrid format. Participants discussed challenges and sought solutions for political campaigning in post-war elections abroad. They also explored how other countries organize out-of-country campaigns and analyzed how these international experiences correlate with Ukrainian national legislation.

On October 16–17, a Multistakeholder Dialogue between Ukrainian and German parliamentarians, government officials, and experts took place in Berlin. The event was organized by the Institut für Europäische Politik (IEP, Berlin) and Civil Network OPORA.

The document is intended to consolidate the efforts of the parties to strengthen democratic institutions in Ukraine, bringing them closer to European standards, and to protect citizens' political (particularly electoral) rights. This is important, as respect for human rights is a key political criterion for EU accession.

International discussions of the possible peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia often include debates about various territorial issues, including possible concessions. For instance, ahead of the most recent meeting of the US and Russian presidents in Alaska, Donald Trump said he wants a "land swap" between Ukraine and Russia[1]. Russia instead demands full control over four regions of Ukraine (including those partially controlled by Ukrainian Armed Forces) and annexed Crimea. The Ukrainian government, meanwhile, cannot agree to ceding Ukrainian territory: President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly cited the Ukrainian Constitution, which explicitly lists all subnational administrative and territorial units of the country, including eastern and southern regions that are partially under temporary occupation. The Constitution contains a separate section on the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, granting it partial autonomy. The President of Ukraine, therefore, rejects Russian territorial claims as unconstitutional. OPORA prepared an OPINION on Possibility of Ukraine's Voluntary Cession of Part of Its Territory

The European Union has a long history of systematically supporting Ukraine. This assistance is especially tangible amid the difficult conditions of Russian aggression, which only amplifies the challenges for democratic processes. As part of this EU-supported initiative, in 2025-2026. Civil Network OPORA is implementing a comprehensive research and analysis program, “Advancing Democratic Integrity and Governance in Ukraine”.

On July 10, 2025, a group of people's deputies from the “Batkivshchyna” and “Servant of the People” factions registered draft law No. 13464, which provides for changes in the organization of the preparation and conduct of elections of people's deputies of Ukraine and local elections. Civil Network OPORA has prepared an analysis of this legislative initiative, assessing the potential consequences of the proposed changes.

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has passed a law that changes the approach to citizenship by introducing the institution of multiple citizenship. This new development has raised a multitude of questions: who will be able to hold several IDs, how will the new law affect Ukrainians abroad and in the occupied territories, and what risks and benefits does it entail? Lawyers of the Civil Network OPORA have analysed the text of the law and prepared answers to the most common questions. Below, we will explain exactly what will change for both Ukrainian citizens and foreigners who seek to obtain a Ukrainian passport.

The full-scale Russian invasion caused a powerful surge of mechanical solidarity among Ukrainians. However, such a crisis-driven unity might be short-lived. Civil Network OPORA conducted a nationwide study on the social cohesion of Ukrainians and prepared quantitative and qualitative reports, as well as an analysis of how cohesion is reflected in social networks.