Ukraine's parliament backs six EU-linked reform bills, unlocking path to €1.5 bn

Ukraine's parliament adopted six bills tied to EU financing on Thursday, moving on reform commitments that had stalled for months while the state treasury drained.

Lawmakers passed bills No. 15024 and No. 15437 in the second reading. Four others — covering euro payments, prosecutors, state company governance and the anti-corruption court — cleared only the first reading.

About €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) in EU support is linked to the steps covered by the six bills, the Ministry of Economy and the Environment stated. To receive the funds, Kyiv must complete all legislative procedures, bring the changes into force and obtain a positive assessment from the European Commission.

The parliament had been deadlocked since early 2024 over steps required under the EU's Ukraine Facility and the $8.1 billion International Monetary Fund programme. The EU had said it would not release 2024 aid unless Ukraine implemented the bills.

Bill No. 15024 introduces simplified bankruptcy proceedings for micro and small businesses. Bill No. 15437 restores Antimonopoly Committee powers to oversee state aid and brings Ukraine's system closer to EU rules while keeping wartime exceptions under martial law.

Of the four bills at first reading: No. 14327-d creates the legal basis for Ukraine to join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA); No. 16144 introduces competitive selection of prosecutors for senior posts; No. 16125 strengthens supervisory board powers and tightens internal audit rules toward OECD standards; and No. 16043 allows a single judge to hear cases on unjustified assets.

Minister of Economy and Environment Oleksandr Kravchenko said the votes "advance the implementation of the Ukraine Plan," noting that European funding under the Ukraine Facility depends on doing so.