On June 3, 2013, Valentyn Zagariya, Chairman of the Higher Qualification and Disciplinary Bar Commission of Ukraine participated in the working meeting of executives of advocates’ self-government bodies with coordinator of the new joint project of the Council of Europe and the European Union entitled “Strengthening the Lawyers’ Capacity for Domestic Application of the European Convention on Human Rights and of the Revised European Social Charter”. Head of Ukrainian National Bar Association and Bar Council of Ukraine Lidiya Izovitova, Deputy Head of Ukrainian National Bar Association and Bar Council of Ukraine Valentyn Gvosdiy, and Valentyn Zagariya discussed with Olena Karter, project coordinator representing Council of Europe main areas for cooperation within the project.

Parties reached preliminary agreements regarding mutual implementation of the project and development of the plan for nationwide activities, as well as regional scope for educating advocates including their qualification upgrade.

The project will last during 2013-2015 and involve Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. The project is focused on improving advocates’ professional qualities for effective human rights protection by improving their knowledge and skills in implementation of the fundamental European conventions.