The High Council of Justice explained why digitalization will not solve justice problems without new judges

The High Council of Justice believes that ensuring accessible justice in modern conditions requires a comprehensive approach that includes overcoming staff shortages, digitalization, proper funding, preserving judicial independence, and further improving judicial procedures.

The High Council of Justice emphasizes that access to justice is not only a matter of organizing the judiciary but primarily a matter of citizens' trust in the state and its ability to guarantee the rule of law even during wartime.

Accordingly, it was noted that modern accessibility of justice is determined not so much by the geographical proximity of the court but by the speed and efficiency of obtaining a fair judicial decision.

Particular attention deserves the modernization of the judicial network, which should be considered not only as a change in the map of courts but as a comprehensive strengthening of the judiciary's capacity to ensure the right to a fair trial regardless of citizens' location.

Forum participants noted that the full-scale war has significantly affected the judiciary's work due to the temporary occupation of certain territories, population displacement, and changing citizens' needs. In this regard, the development of electronic courts, holding hearings via videoconferencing, and implementing modern interaction services between courts and process participants have gained special importance.

At the same time, it was emphasized that no technological solutions can replace professional and independent judges. That is why digitalization must be combined with solving staffing problems and ensuring proper guarantees of judicial independence.

However, the staff shortage remains one of the biggest challenges for the judiciary. Therefore, even the best judicial system model cannot ensure proper access to justice without a sufficient number of judges and court staff.

Recall that in the 2025 report, the High Council of Justice emphasizes that the shortage of judges has turned into a systemic crisis. Most judges work at the limit of their capabilities, which complicates the provision of timely and quality justice.

According to the High Council of Justice, as of the end of 2025:

• there are 758 courts in Ukraine, of which 582 administered justice;
• the maximum authorized number of judges is 6,600 positions;
• 4,346 judges actually work in courts that continue to administer justice;
• 2,254 judge positions remain vacant.

The majority of vacancies fall on local courts — 1,400 positions, as well as appellate courts — 725 positions.

It is separately noted that in 20 local general courts, justice is administered by a single judge with full powers.

The High Council of Justice also addressed issues of assessing integrity indicators during the selection of judges and candidates for positions in judicial governance bodies.

It was noted that despite the High Council of Justice approving Unified Indicators for assessing the integrity and professional ethics of judges (candidates for judge positions), different approaches to integrity assessment are observed since the relevant checks are carried out by various bodies, each with its own procedures and criteria. The High Council adds that this often leads to discussions regarding the interpretation of certain circumstances from the professional and personal biographies of candidates.

Therefore, the High Council of Justice emphasizes the need to develop a more coordinated practice for assessing integrity, particularly regarding the analysis of events that occurred many years ago and cannot always be documented.

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