Karyna Skalova

In Issue 295 of the Reform Index, covering the period from July 13 through July 26, experts assessed 10 regulatory acts. The highest score, +1.5 points on a scale from –5 to +5, went to a regulation establishing the rules for the operation of DREAM, the digital public investment management system, and enabling its full-scale launch.

Between July 20 and August 2, 35 draft laws were registered in the Verkhovna Rada: five by the government and 30 by MPs. Key initiatives include a revised Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2026–2030, which, among other things, provides for the digitalization of the reservation of persons liable for military service and of tax and customs inspections. In addition, MPs propose banning the playing of Russian-language music in shops, hair salons, and other establishments.

Ukraine’s economy continues to adapt to the challenges caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion. However, the budget deficit for the first five months of 2026 reached UAH 408 billion (the planned deficit for 2026, as in previous years, is around 20% of GDP). To finance defense and support the economy, Ukraine needs external assistance, which depends directly on the speed and quality of reform implementation.