Tracking Reforms and Parliamentary Decisions
UA Parliamentary Highlights is an analytical digest summarizing the outcomes of the plenary weeks of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine — the Ukrainian Parliament. Published roughly twice a month, depending on parliamentary activity, it focuses on key bills shaping European integration, Ukraine’s international obligations, and sectoral policies — including the economy, decentralization, legal reform, security, and institutional powers. EU-flagged bills are clearly marked to denote their official status as European integration initiatives. Our analysis provides expert insight into how parliamentary decisions influence Ukraine’s legislative, economic, and governance trajectory.
UA Parliamentary Highlights: November 4–7, 2025 (№13-2025)
Localization in Public and Defense Procurement. Draft Law №13392 passed first reading to strengthen domestic industry via mandatory localization in state and defense procurement. It introduces a centralized registry and oversight commission, with penalties for noncompliance. The Anti-Corruption Committee and CSOs warn of excessive ministerial discretion, undefined verification rules, and risks of unfair competition.
Civil Code Recodification. Draft Law №14057 adopted in first reading to modernize personal rights—adding digital, biomedical, and posthumous rights. Media and NGOs criticize provisions threatening free speech, such as presumption of falsity, liability for tone, and an expansive “right to be forgotten,” which could enable censorship and SLAPPs.
Local Governance Reform. Law №14048 adopted in second reading to enhance transparency in local self-government, fulfilling overdue Ukraine Plan commitments. Despite political compromise and support from the Association of Ukrainian Cities, experts deem it legally vague and ineffective, with the candidate reserve for local heads removed.
UA Parliamentary Highlights: October 21–24, 2025 (№12-2025)
State Budget 2026. Parliament approved the 2026 draft budget in the first reading. Priorities include defense, security, and social protection. Defense spending remains at the 2025 level — enough to maintain current capacity but not to expand it. The budget is based on a continued-war scenario. A large share of expenditures will rely on external borrowing, with a high deficit and growing public debt. Local budgets receive more resources but with reduced financial autonomy.
Amendments to the 2025 Budget: Additional Defense Funding. Parliament adopted amendments to increase funding for defense and security through higher revenues, external loans, and reallocation of savings. The government is granted temporary authority to cut funding from other state bodies and redirect it to defense without parliamentary approval, reducing legislative oversight. Funding for anti-corruption institutions is reduced without required consultations.
UA Parliamentary Highlights: October 7–10, 2025 (№11-2025)
State Supervision Reform. Draft Law №14030 passed first reading to introduce preventive, risk-based oversight. Experts flag weak complaint review independence, unclear procedures, and court fee conflicts.
Agricultural Support. Law №13202-1 adopted, creating a Payment Agency and digital monitoring. Analysts note conflicts of interest and legal misalignments.
Cyber Forces. Draft Law №12349 passed first reading to establish NATO-aligned cyber units. Some question the need for a separate law.
Constitutional Court Appointments Blocked. No judges appointed; EU Rule of Law reforms delayed.
Local Governance Reform. Draft Law №14048 passed first reading; candidate reserve introduced, but depoliticization remains uncertain.
Local Elections Suspended. Resolution №14031 confirms no elections under martial law, ensuring governance continuity.
UA Parliamentary Highlights: September 16–19, 2025 (№10-2025)
Transparency Boosted in Parliamentary Work: Following the adoption of a new Resolution on coverage of the Verkhovna Rada’s activities, all plenary sessions were livestreamed via Rada TV. This step significantly improved transparency and public oversight of parliamentary processes.
Ruling Majority Weakens: The parliamentary majority showed a marked decline in support for key legislative initiatives. Several Ukraine Facility draft laws failed or were withdrawn due to insufficient votes. The growing fragmentation within the ruling coalition highlights an urgent need for broader consensus-building and cooperation with opposition forces.
Government Programme Delayed: The Cabinet led by PM Svyrydenko missed the statutory deadline to submit its Programme of Activities by August 17, in breach of Article 11 of the Law on the Cabinet of Ministers. Although a draft version was presented publicly and opened for citizen feedback, it remains unpublished on the Parliament’s website. This procedural lapse raises constitutional and political accountability concerns.
Military Ombudsman Law Adopted: Parliament passed DL №13266, establishing the Office of the Military Ombudsman to safeguard service members’ rights. The Ombudsman receives wide powers, including access to classified information and facilities. Nonetheless, the law has drawn criticism for violating the Paris Principles, as the Ombudsman’s appointment and dismissal are controlled solely by the President, limiting independence.
Specialised Administrative Courts Established: DL №13302 was adopted in the final reading, creating a Specialized District Administrative Court and a Specialized Administrative Court of Appeal. The measure meets Ukraine’s EU accession and IMF obligations, reinforcing the judicial system’s alignment with European standards.
Agricultural Support Mechanism Stalled: DL №13202-1, aimed at harmonizing Ukraine’s agricultural policy with EU frameworks (Regulations 2021/2115 and 2021/2116) through the creation of a Paying Agency, failed to pass with only 204 votes in favor. Experts warned that defining the Agency as a “budgetary institution” and combining financing, oversight, and complaint functions in one body poses legal and governance risks.
Digital Enforcement Reform Blocked Again: DL №14005 on digitalization of enforcement proceedings was not included in the parliamentary agenda. This follows the rejection of a similar initiative (DL №9363) earlier in the year. The persistent stalemate threatens Ukraine’s commitment under the Ukraine Plan 2024–2027 to modernize enforcement by Q2 2025.
UA Parliamentary Highlights: August 19–22, 2025 (№9-2025)
Record Defence Budget Expansion Adopted: Parliament passed DL №13439-3 in the second reading, reallocating over UAH 405 billion to security and defence. It also diverts 10% of corporate tax revenue from Kyiv’s budget to the state, raising serious concerns over decentralization and constitutional compliance. The law additionally boosts prosecutors’ salaries and allows new external funds to support IDPs.
Defence City Framework Approved: DLs №13420 and №13421 were adopted, establishing a privileged regime for defence firms, including major tax exemptions, customs relief, and a special support fund. While some transparency improvements were introduced, critics warn the closed enterprise register preserves risks of “manual control” and opaque access.
Accounting Chamber Reform Stalled: Parliament rejected Resolution №13323 to establish an expert advisory group for selecting members of the Accounting Chamber. Despite international experts being nominated, political divisions blocked all MP-nominated candidates. The delay undermines IMF-linked reform commitments on independent oversight of state auditing.
Vocational Education Law Adopted: DL №13107-д passed in the second reading, modernizing Ukraine’s vocational education system in line with EU commitments. Controversial language provisions on minority-language groups were removed before adoption, easing tensions. The reform introduces new financing tools, public-private partnerships, and quality assurance mechanisms.
UA Parliamentary Highlights: July 15–18, 2025 (№8-2025)
ARMA Reform Unblocked: Parliament rejected a blocking resolution on Draft Law №12374-д, allowing the Speaker to send it to the President. The reform introduces international oversight in leadership selection and audits — a key Ukraine Facility milestone, long overdue.
Controversial “Lawyer-Client Identification” Law Passed: Law №12320, aiming to prevent public association of lawyers with their clients, was adopted. Experts warn its vague language risks abuse and shields bar authorities from scrutiny.
Housing Reform Begins: Parliament adopted Draft Law №12377 in the first reading — the first systemic housing reform since independence. It repeals Soviet-era provisions, mandates rental contract registration, and targets social housing expansion. Concerns remain over transparency and social safeguards.
Defence City Framework Moves Forward: Draft Laws №13420 and №13421 were approved to create a privileged regime for defense firms — offering tax breaks and simplified customs. Critics warn of opaque enterprise listing and legal inequality under pending DL №13423, which was not voted yet.
Record Defence Budget Boost: DL №13439-3 passed in the first reading, reallocating UAH 400+ billion to security and defence. However, diverting corporate tax from Kyiv city’s budget raises decentralization concerns.
UA Parliamentary Highlights: June 17–20, 2025 (№7-2025)
ARMA Reform: Parliament adopted Draft Law №12374-д on reforming the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA), fulfilling a Ukraine Facility Plan requirement. The law introduces international participation in selecting ARMA’s head and mandates audits. A controversial self-financing clause was removed. However, Batkivshchyna filed a blocking resolution, halting the Speaker from signing the law until mid-July deliberations.
Corruption Liability Law: Draft Law №13271-1, amending liability thresholds for corruption-related offenses, passed final reading with 245 votes. Critics, including AntAC, warn it weakens oversight by raising thresholds for criminal and administrative liability and limiting NABU’s reach. It also shortens data retention in corruption registries.
Agricultural Support System: Parliament approved Draft Law №13202-1 in the first reading to align agri-policy with the EU’s CAP and Ukraine Facility goals. It proposes a new Paying Agency, digital control platform (IACS), and sustainability data network (FSDN). Despite overall support, transparency and feasibility concerns persist.
Servicemen Registry: Parliament adopted Law №12066, revising the military personnel register following presidential objections over security. Changes include restricting data scope and reducing retention periods. Some ambiguity remains on inter-registry data access without explicit safeguards.
UA Parliamentary Highlights: June 03–06, 2025 (№6-2025)
U.S.-Ukraine Mineral Deal Law Adopted: The Verkhovna Rada passed a law enabling Ukraine’s contributions to the U.S.-Ukraine Recovery Investment Fund. Revenues from mineral royalties and new PSAs will now support the Fund, marking a major financial and governance milestone.
Judicial Reform Risks: Parliament adopted in the first reading a draft law revising judges’ integrity declarations. However, it limits verification to one year—undermining accountability and contradicting the Ukraine Plan and EU recommendations.
Specialized Administrative Courts: Parliament passed a draft law in the first reading to establish two new administrative courts. Despite prior consensus and compliance with the Constitution, political resistance risks delaying key judicial restructuring mandated by the IMF.
Military Ombudsman Draft Law: A draft law was adopted in the first reading to create a new institution for protecting service members' rights. Yet, concerns remain over its independence and compliance with the Paris Principles.
UA Parliamentary Highlights: May 13–16, 2025 (№5-2025)
U.S.-Ukraine Recovery Fund Implementation: The Rada passed Draft Law №13256 in the first reading, enabling budget contributions to the U.S.-Ukraine Recovery Investment Fund. These funds will come from royalties and permits for critical mineral extraction — a significant step in mobilizing resources for reconstruction.
Judicial Selection Reform: Draft Law №12331-2 was adopted in the second reading, streamlining the judge selection process by integrating previously blocked amendments. It limits unnecessary interview stages and adjusts exam thresholds, responding to the urgent shortage of judges. The most controversial clause on declaration secrecy was narrowed.
Digital Enforcement Delayed: Parliament rejected Draft Law №9363 on enforcement digitalization, sending it back for revision. Strong opposition, particularly from Batkivshchyna, cited wartime hardships affecting debtors’ rights. The law remains a key milestone under the Ukraine Plan 2024–2027.
Territorial Governance Reform: Draft Law №13150, narrowly adopted in the first reading, aims to transform local administrations into supervisory prefectures. Yet, critics warn the law adds oversight powers without resolving dual-role conflicts, risking greater tension between local and central authorities.
UA Parliamentary Highlights: April 29–May 02, 2025 (№4-2025)
Timber Export Ban Upheld: Parliament rejected the draft law aiming to regulate the timber market and repeal the moratorium on roundwood exports. Concerns included monopolization risks and violations of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. A new alternative draft law (№13227) has already been registered.
Local Democracy in Question: The Rada passed a controversial resolution granting full powers of Hostomel’s local government to the military administration. Though legal under martial law, this move in a non-frontline town raised concerns about democratic erosion and misuse of authority.
Judicial Reform Blocked Again: Draft Law №13114, which would streamline the judge selection process, failed twice to be added to the agenda. Despite the urgency of judicial staffing, provisions related to secrecy in family declarations remain problematic.
Deserter Amnesty Extended: Draft Law №13177 extends the pardon period for military deserters until August 30, 2025. While intended to restore personnel strength, critics cite corruption risks and lack of judicial oversight.
Gender Protection in the Armed Forces: Parliament approved in the first reading Draft Law №13037 to combat sexual harassment in the military. It mandates swift response from commanders, internal investigations, and whistleblower protection — a notable step in aligning with NATO standards.
UA Parliamentary Highlights: April 15–18, 2025 (№3-2025)
Postponement of Key Reforms: During last week’s parliamentary session, two critical draft laws – No. 12374-d on ARMA reform and No. 4298 on restructuring territorial executive authorities – were once again not considered. Both were anticipated to be passed in Q1-2025 under the Ukraine Plan 2024–2027. Delays in their adoption have raised concerns about Ukraine’s compliance with performance indicators tied to financial aid via the Ukraine Facility.
Local Governance Reform. The parliament excluded Draft Law No. 13150, which aimed to ensure legality in local self-government activities, from its weekly agenda. With no alternatives proposed, efforts to transform local state administrations into prefecture-type bodies remain stalled, putting key governance goals in jeopardy.
Vocational Education Reform. The Draft Law on Vocational Education (No. 13107-1) was adopted in the first reading, reflecting consolidated input from educators, employers, and public authorities. However, controversial language provisions related to minority-language education have sparked intense political debates, casting doubt on the law's future approval.
Accountability for State Officials. Draft Law No. 5838, strengthening penalties for violations committed by state supervision officials, progressed to the first reading. While the proposed changes aim to improve oversight mechanisms, concerns persist about reduced protections for inspected businesses.
Media Protection Legislation. Law No. 5870-1 on media services using conditional access was passed in the second reading. Implementing EU Directive provisions, the legislation resolves earlier disputes over unclear definitions and supervisory powers. Now awaiting presidential approval, it promises to modernize Ukraine’s media landscape.
UA Parliamentary Highlights cover March 25–28, 2025 (№2-2025)
Postponement of Key Reforms: The consideration of Draft Law (DL) no. 12374-1 on ARMA reform and DL no. 4298 on restructuring local authorities has been delayed due to political disagreements. Both laws were expected to pass in the first quarter under the Ukraine Plan 2024-2027.
ARMA Reform: DL no. 12374-1 suggests changes to the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA), including international involvement in the selection committee. Concerns linger about self-financing rules that may affect the agency's independence.
Territorial Structure Reform: DL no. 4298 seeks to change local state administrations into prefecture-like bodies. Internal conflicts within the lead subcommittee have slowed its progress, and a new version has not been made public.
Civil Service Pay Reform: The passed Law no. 9478 made changes that include controversial provisions, such as unequal seniority bonuses and pay differences between ministries. This has caused delays in its implementation.
Cybersecurity: Law no. 11290 to strengthen cyber defence was approved. Although it improves security, there are worries about expanding the powers of the State Service of Special Communications.
UA Parliamentary Highlights cover March 11–14, 2025 (№1-2025)
Judicial Reform: Parliament approved a law to set up the High Administrative Court, replacing the old Kyiv District Administrative Court, but it does not meet all IMF standards.
Civil Service Reform: A new law on civil servant pay was passed as part of the Ukraine Facility, but pay differences among government agencies are still an issue.
Law Enforcement Reform: Parliament agreed to raise police salaries due to sector demands, but a full law enforcement reform is still needed.
National Security: New amendments have tougher penalties for breaking military registration rules and address worries about unfair penalties.
Cybersecurity: A Law to better protect state IT systems is being revised because of concerns about giving more power to the State Service of Special Communications.
