**Ukraine’s Weekly Reforms Tracker: April 14-20, 2025**
As we continue to monitor Ukraine’s progress in various reforms and economic developments, this week’s tracker highlights significant steps taken by the Ukrainian parliament. In this issue, we focus on key economic security measures, obligations to the EU, and other crucial issues affecting Ukraine’s financial landscape.
**Final Stage Nears for Economic Security Bureau Director**
Ukraine is one step closer to appointing a director for the Bureau of Economic Security (BES). The selection commission has completed background checks and integrity assessments on 16 candidates. Following this stage, the remaining candidates will participate in interviews, which will be broadcast live on the Cabinet of Ministers’ website. This final stage will narrow down the list to two finalists, whose names will be submitted to the Prime Minister for appointment.
This appointment is crucial for Ukraine’s economic security efforts. The BES plays a vital role in preventing and investigating financial crimes. A strong leader will help ensure effective implementation of anti-money laundering measures and combat financial terrorism.
**Ukraine Facility Commitments**
The Ukrainian parliament has passed three bills related to the country’s obligations under the EU-backed Ukraine Facility program:
* Draft law #13107-d on vocational education reform was adopted in the first reading.
* Draft law #5838, strengthening administrative accountability for misconduct by state regulatory officials, also passed in the first reading.
* Draft law #12150, which aligns Ukraine’s electronic communications regulations with EU law, was approved in full.
These developments demonstrate Ukraine’s commitment to meeting its obligations under the Ukraine Facility program. The country continues to implement necessary reforms to integrate more closely with the European Union.
**Other Key Economic Issues**
In a recent investigation by Bihus.Info, it has been revealed that Natalia Pronina, wife of the head of Ukraine’s State Financial Monitoring Service (SFMS), Filip Pronin, became a co-owner of Tesoro Management. The company was previously linked to sanctioned oligarch Dmytro Firtash.
This development raises concerns about potential corruption within Ukraine’s financial sector. As the country continues to implement anti-money laundering measures and strengthen its financial system, such findings are not welcome. It is essential for Ukrainian authorities to investigate this matter thoroughly and take necessary actions to ensure transparency and accountability in the financial sector.
**Martial Law and General Mobilization Extended**
On April 18, the Verkhovna Rada voted to extend martial law and general mobilization for another 90 days, until Aug. 6. This decision was made under draft laws #13172 and #13173, respectively. The president has already signed both bills.
While this move may seem like a routine extension of martial law and general mobilization, it remains essential to continue monitoring Ukraine’s progress in implementing economic reforms and ensuring the country’s stability during these challenging times.
In conclusion, this week’s tracker highlights significant steps taken by Ukraine towards meeting its economic security commitments. While there are concerns about potential corruption within the financial sector, Ukrainian authorities must take necessary actions to address these issues and ensure transparency and accountability.
