FALSE: Verkhovna Rada has adopted a law that will make the English language the main language in Ukraine

There is information circulating online that the Verkhovna Rada has passed the law No. 9432 “On the Use of the English Language in Ukraine,” which allegedly designates English as the main language in the country. The authors of the post claim that the adoption of the bill is necessary so that in the event of Russia’s victory, Ukrainians fleeing the country will know the language and easily adapt to life in European countries.

However, this is not true. As of the writing of this article, the bill has not been passed. Ukrainian legislation does not have the concept of a “main language.” The document establishes the status of the English language as one of the languages of international communication, while Ukrainian remains the only state language.

In June 2023, the president submitted the draft law No. 9432, “On the Use of the English Language in Ukraine,” to the Verkhovna Rada, designating it as urgent. On November 22, lawmakers supported the law in the first reading, and at the time of writing the material, it was being prepared for the second reading. Therefore, the claim that the law has been passed is untrue.

Furthermore, the text of the draft law, supported by the deputies, does not mention that the English language will become the main language in Ukraine. Firstly, in Ukrainian legislation, there is no concept of a “main language”; there is only the “state language.” Secondly, the document establishes the status of the English language as one of the languages of international communication. According to Article 10 of the Constitution, Ukrainian is the only state language, and the draft law does not and cannot change this provision. Moreover, in paragraph 3 of Article 2 of the document, it is emphasized that its provisions cannot be interpreted as aimed at narrowing the scope of the application of the state language, the language of indigenous peoples, or national minorities.

In the explanatory note to the draft law, it is stated that Ukraine holds the status of a candidate for membership in the European Union, but due to a low level of proficiency in the English language, it remains linguistically isolated from the rest of the European countries. Therefore, the draft law defines categories of positions for which candidates must possess English proficiency and standardizes the use of the English language in several spheres. If the law is adopted, customs and passport control officers at the border will be required to communicate with foreigners in English. Additionally, answering calls and providing emergency assistance to foreigners will be conducted in English. The study of this language for children will be introduced from an early age in preschool educational institutions.

Furthermore, the obligation to know English will extend to:

• Civil servants of categories “A” (Cabinet of Ministers Secretary and his deputies, etc.), “B” (heads of structural units of state bodies and their deputies, etc.), and “C” (public servants not included in the previous two categories);
• Heads of local state administrations and their deputies;
• Contracted officers in the military;
• Middle and senior-ranking police officers, leaders of other law enforcement agencies as determined by the Cabinet of Ministers;
• Prosecutors;
• Customs and tax service employees;
• Heads of business entities in the state sector of the economy.

Employees of local self-government bodies, except for elected positions, will also be required to have proficiency in the English language if the position involves international cooperation. Military personnel must have a sufficient level of English proficiency for communication in professional fields. However, during the ongoing martial law in Ukraine, which has been in effect since February 24, 2022, this requirement will not apply to military personnel and law enforcement officers. Employees who have proficiency in English at a level not lower than B2 will receive a 10% salary increase.

Moreover, if the document is finally adopted, its provisions will not take effect immediately. Requirements for English proficiency for category “A” civil servants, heads of local state administration, and their deputies will come into force two years after the cessation or cancellation of the martial law, and for other officials, it will be four years after the document’s adoption.