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  5. Changes in the principles of international humanitarian and domestic law in the system of European integration

Almanac of law. Issue 17 (2026), pages 523–532.

DOI: 10.33663/2524-017X-2026-17-523-532

Khomenko O. V.
Changes in the principles of international humanitarian and domestic law in the system of European integration

The article examines the transformation of the principles of international humanitarian law and domestic public law within the framework of European integration. It analyses the convergence of axiological foundations, the reinterpretation of sovereignty as responsibility, and the development of a multilevel dialogue between legal systems. Particular attention is paid to the institutional mechanisms that ensure the implementation of humanitarian standards at the national level.

The study highlights the influence of the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights, the jurisprudence of the International Criminal Court, and the regulatory instruments of the European Union on the substantive evolution of the principles of the rule of law, humanity, proportionality, complementarity, subsidiarity, and solidarity. The interaction between international humanitarian law, notably the standards enshrined in the Geneva Conventions, and constitutional traditions of European states is examined as a dynamic and mutually reinforcing process.

The article argues that European integration fosters a shift from a state-centred to a human-centred legal paradigm, where sovereignty is increasingly understood as a set of responsibilities rather than unlimited authority. Judicial dialogue, coordinated investigative mechanisms, and supranational conditionality instruments contribute to strengthening accountability and enhancing the protection of fundamental rights during armed conflicts and crisis situations.

The findings substantiate the need for further harmonisation of national legislation with international humanitarian obligations and European legal standards. Legislative reforms, institutional coordination, educational initiatives, and the standardisation of investigative and evidentiary practices are identified as key directions for consolidating humanitarian values within a multilevel European legal order.

Keywords: international humanitarian law, European integration, rule of law, sovereignty, complementarity, proportionality.

 References

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Дата першого надходження рукопису до видання: 24.02.2026
Дата прийнятого до друку рукопису після рецензування: 09.04.2026
Дата публікації: 30.04.2026

 

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