Sweden pledges €2.4 million to strengthen Ukraine’s investigation and prosecution of war crimes
October 02, 2024
Ukraine’s efforts to bring justice for war crimes committed during Russia’s full-scale invasion have received a significant boost with Sweden’s commitment of EUR 2.4 million to fund the implementation of the SMEREKA e-case management system. The funding, formalised through an Administrative Arrangement signed on 2 October 2024 between the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) and the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, aims to transform the way Ukrainian law enforcement and prosecutors handle complex international criminal cases.
“Sweden stands with Ukraine in its fight for justice and accountability,” said Margin Åberg, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sweden to Ukraine, during the signing ceremony. “This project reflects our shared belief that advanced technology can make a real difference in delivering justice and upholding the rule of law.”
The signing ceremony marked the launch of a joint initiative between EUAM and the Swedish government to upgrade the digital infrastructure of Ukraine’s law enforcement and judicial systems. The project includes the modernisation of data storage systems for the Office of the Prosecutor General (OPG) and the development of two new modules for the SMEREKA electronic case management system. In addition, the project will finance the procurement of necessary hardware and software for the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), the National Police of Ukraine (NPU) and the OPG, including its regional office in Odesa.
One of SMEREKA’s key features is its ability to store, analyze, and share documents securely between law enforcement agencies and prosecutorial bodies. This will ensure a consistent flow of critical information, allowing for quicker investigations and reducing the time victims spend waiting for justice. As a result, the project will significantly enhance Ukraine’s capacity to investigate and prosecute war crimes and other international crimes.
The project will be implemented in phases, starting in 2024 with a focus on upgrading the OPG’s server infrastructure and equipping law enforcement agencies with the necessary hardware. In 2025, the focus will shift to expanding SMEREKA’s capabilities through additional software modules and further improvements to the digital infrastructure, ensuring that Ukraine’s judicial services are more effective and transparent.
“We support improved case management and data accuracy as this strengthens victims’ rights in the judicial process,” said Rolf Holmboe, EUAM Head of Mission. “Stronger case management minimises the risk of delays or procedural errors that could affect the outcome of cases. This initiative is a prime example of how international cooperation can support Ukraine’s efforts to build a more resilient, transparent and accountable justice system”.
EU Member States, through the coordination of EUAM, continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice for the victims of the war. By upgrading the digital infrastructure and improving the management of high-profile criminal cases, the project will contribute to building a more resilient and modern prosecution system in Ukraine.
The implementation of the SMEREKA system, funded by Sweden’s contribution of EUR 2.4 million, is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Ukraine’s justice sector and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and victims receive the justice they deserve.
