Ukrainian Prosecutors Learn from Italy’s Experience in Judicial Training
October 23, 2025
In the heart of Rome, just steps away from the Fontana di Trevi, stands a building with a remarkable story. Once owned by a mafia member, it was later confiscated by the Italian state. And today, it houses the Italian School for the Judiciary. Within its walls, justice quite literally claimed the space, turning a symbol of organised crime into one of integrity, fairness, and learning.
It was here that, from 13 to 15 October 2025, representatives of Ukraine’s Prosecutor Training Centre (PTCU) and prosecutor’s offices took part in a study visit facilitated by the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine. Led by PTCU Deputy Director Andrii Orlean, the delegation visited to explore how Italy trains its judges and prosecutors — and how these practices could strengthen Ukraine’s own system.
Over three days, participants became familiar with Italy’s methodology for professional training, from centralised and decentralised approaches to e-learning, distance courses, and tutoring for new magistrates. They also learned about cooperation with the European Judicial Training Network (EJTN), leadership and management courses, gender-sensitive policies supporting young professionals with families, and evaluation methods for training programmes.
The delegation was welcomed by distinguished figures, including Silvana Sciarra, President of the Italian School for the Judiciary and former President of the Italian Constitutional Court, and Pietro Gaeta, Head of the General Prosecutor’s Office at the Court of Cassation.
“During our visit, we saw how much importance Italy attaches to the systematic fight against organised crime, as well as to the quality training and professional development of prosecutors and judges,” said Mr. Orlean. “We were pleased to see that the Ukrainian system of training prosecutors is developing in the right European direction and is already aligned with the best practices proposed by our Italian colleagues.”
One of the most memorable moments was the meeting with Maria Gabriella Luccioli, one of the first women magistrates in Italy, appointed in 1965. Her story underscored the importance of gender balance in the justice system and inspired the Ukrainian participants, many of whom play a key role in promoting gender equality within their own institutions.
“Participation in joint educational programmes with colleagues from other countries deepens understanding of international legal standards and contributes to improving the quality of prosecutorial activities,” said Viktoriia Dydych, Deputy Head of Unit of the Cherkasy Regional Public Prosecutor’s Office. “. It is important that such events create a common space for professional development based on shared values and standards of justice.”
Digital transformation in judicial education was another central theme. “The exchange of experience in the organizational, technical, and operational administration of online learning has been an important step in improving our approaches to ensuring the quality, accessibility, and continuity of digital education,” noted Yelyzaveta Ivakhnenko, Advisor to the Director of the PTCU on Digitalisation. “Digitization opens up new opportunities for international exchange of experience, synergy between institutions, and the formation of a single European educational space.”
These exchanges, supported by EUAM Ukraine, form part of a broader effort to strengthen Ukraine’s prosecutorial training system and align it with European standards. The Mission will continue assisting the PTCU in adapting EU best practices to ensure that Ukraine’s justice sector remains on a strong path toward modernisation and European integration.
