Every day, the Ukrainian economy faces new challenges due to the ongoing war. As the war continues, funding national defense through budget revenues becomes increasingly difficult for the state. In this issue, we explore whether Ukrainians are prepared for tax increases, highlight our partners’ recognition as one of the top three anti-corruption institutions in the country, and address the issues surrounding the return of Ukrainians imprisoned in Russia.
Read on to stay updated with the latest news from Ukrainian civil society!
Ukrainians believe that the national tax policy should align with the taxation approaches implemented in the European Union, but this alignment should occur only after Ukraine’s full accession to the EU. According to a survey by Razumkov Center, 35% of Ukrainians support implementing a new taxation system immediately after joining the EU, while 17% think that the tax system should be adapted to European standards now.
Additionally, 58% of respondents believe that increasing taxes is not advisable due to the limited purchasing power of the population. Meanwhile, 25% are convinced that any increase should be gradual to balance the state’s needs with the taxpayers’ abilities.
Civil society news
CASE Ukraine Participated in Tax Increase Discussion with International Monetary Fund Mission
On July 26, USAID/ENGAGE partner CASE Ukraine, alongside representatives from Ukraine’s economic think tanks, met with experts from the International Monetary Fund mission to Ukraine. The discussion focused on this year’s risks, potential sources for covering the budget deficit, and priority institutional changes.
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USAID/ENGAGE Partner Recognized Among Top Anti-Corruption Institutions in Ukraine
On August 1, the National Democratic Institute and the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology released the results of a national survey assessing Ukraine’s democratic progress, geopolitical climate, and future outlook. The survey found that the Anti-Corruption Action Center was recognized by respondents as one of the top institutions effectively fighting corruption in Ukraine.
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Zaporizhzhia Investigations Center Releases Report on Zaporizhzhia Regional Hospital Shelter Project
On July 31, the Zaporizhzhia Investigations Center published a report revealing discrepancies in the pricing of construction materials and equipment for the Zaporizhzhia Regional Hospital shelter. The analysis uncovered excessive markups totaling over UAH 8 million across 40 items. Additionally, some items lacked important information, making the assessment difficult.
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Center for Civil Liberties Discusses Rights of Ukrainians Forcibly Detained by Russia
On July 31, the Center for Civil Liberties held a human rights club meeting on “Ukrainian Prisoners Forcibly Taken to Russia: Problems of Return.” Participants discussed the consequences of forced granting of Russian citizenship to Ukrainians held in Russia or occupied territories and the legal aspects of returning these Ukrainians back home.
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The USAID/ENAGE Program Promotes Ukrainian Cultural Heritage During the Paris Olympics
On August 2, in Paris, as part of our traveling exhibition “Ukraine in Miniature,” a lecture on Ukraine’s intangible cultural heritage was held. During the event, Marina Sobotiuk from the “Institute of Culture of Ukraine” CSO discussed the experience of including borscht in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Famous Ukrainian chef and restaurant owner Yevgen Klopotenko shared his insights on how culinary arts serve as a significant tool for international diplomacy.
What we read?
Sectoral Reforms, Human Capital, and Tax Policy: What to Expect in the Next Four Years
As Ukraine moves towards joining the European Union, it will need to implement a number of significant reforms. In a series of articles, Vox Ukraine analyzes the planned changes, including those to the tax system, that will enable the Ukrainian government to collect more taxes to fund defense and other needs.