**Ukraine’s Reforms Tracker: Week 30**
As we enter the second half of June, Ukraine is facing significant challenges in meeting its reform targets. In this week’s issue of our “Ukraine Reforms Tracker,” we’ll take a closer look at the country’s progress towards key reforms and what it means for the future.
**Benchmarks and Soft Commitments with the IMF**
One of the biggest stories to emerge this week is the selection process for the CEO of Ukraine’s gas grid operator, GTSOU. Oksana Kryvenko, a former head of Ukraine’s energy regulator, has been shortlisted as one of seven finalists for the role. However, her candidacy is clouded by her involvement in the Rotterdam+ case, a high-profile corruption investigation currently under trial.
**Obligations to the EU**
Ukraine’s progress on reforming targets has been sluggish, with only three of 11 benchmarks completed by the end of Q2. This shortfall could cost the country up to 1.5 billion euros in EU funding under the Ukraine Facility program. To address this issue, parliament is set to review several legislative initiatives tied to the country’s commitments under the program.
**Key Bills on the Agenda**
This week, lawmakers are expected to vote on draft law #12374-d, which aims to restart Ukraine’s Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA). The president has also proposed an alternative bill, #13268. Other key bills include:
* Draft law #12377 on the fundamentals of housing policy
* Presidential draft law #13302 on establishing a Specialized Administrative Court and an Appellate Administrative Court
* Draft law #9363 on the digitalization of enforcement proceedings
* Draft law #13202-1 aligning Ukraine’s agricultural support mechanisms with EU standards
**Ukraine Appoints Youngest Prosecutor General**
In a significant development, Ukraine’s parliament has appointed Ruslan Kravchenko as prosecutor general. At 35, he becomes the youngest person to hold this position in Ukraine’s history.
**Cabinet Shake-up on the Horizon?**
Reports suggest that Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal will be replaced by First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko. The change is expected to take place once parliament amends Article 10 of the Law on Martial Law, which currently prohibits dismissing the Cabinet during wartime.
**What’s at Stake?**
As Ukraine navigates these significant reforms and changes in leadership, it’s crucial for the country to prioritize transparency and accountability. The fate of EU funding and the stability of government hangs in the balance. We’ll be keeping a close eye on developments in this space and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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