The Verkhovna Rada adopted in the second reading draft law No. 9432 on the use of the English language in Ukraine. Let's consider what changes it foresees.

What will change with the new law

According to the text of the draft law, the use of the English language in Ukraine will be extended to the military, medical, transport systems and the cultural sphere.

English will necessarily be taught in senior groups of kindergartens, secondary schools, vocational schools and universities of Ukraine.

Financial support is also provided for cinemas showing English-language films.

Changing the status of English in Ukraine should be a strategic step towards EU membership. The main goal of the draft law is to increase Ukraine's competitiveness, increase its investment and tourist attractiveness, expand the use of the English language in public spheres of social life, and create favorable conditions for its mastery by Ukrainian citizens.

Who must study English

The new law defines the categories of positions where knowledge of English is mandatory:

• civil servants of category "A";
• civil servants of categories "B" and "B", the list of which is established by the Cabinet of Ministers;
• heads of local state administrations and their deputies;
• servicemen of the officer, non-commissioned and non-commissioned ranks serving under a contract, the list of which is established by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine;
• middle and senior police officers of the National Police of Ukraine, representatives of the senior staff of other law enforcement agencies, senior staff of the civil protection service, the list of which is established by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine;
• prosecutors;
• employees of tax and customs authorities, the list of which is established by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine;
• managers, members of the executive body, members of the supervisory board (board of directors) and other officials of state-owned enterprises, business associations, in the authorized capital of which more than 50% of the shares (shares) belong to the state;
• heads of state scientific institutions;
• heads of higher education institutions;
• employees of the field of education and science, the list of which is established by the Cabinet of Ministers.

Financing of English language learning by citizens of Ukraine will be carried out at the expense of state and local budgets and other sources not prohibited by law.