The 238th issue of the Reform Index covers the period from May 5 to 19, 2024, and includes four events, resulting in a score of +0.85 points — slightly higher than in the previous review. The main events of this release are the new laws on video recording of local council meetings and on individual educational trajectories for students.
Graph 1. Dynamics of the Reform Index
Graph 2. Values of the Reform Index and its Components in the Current Assessment Round
The law on transparency in local governance, +2 points
Law 3590-IX aims to ensure transparency in local governance and make the work of local authorities more open and understandable for local residents. Specifically, it mandates that plenary sessions of local councils must be recorded on video and made publicly available. These recordings must be kept for at least five years. Additionally, after the end of martial law, councils will be required to broadcast their sessions in real time.
The law also requires deputies, local government officials, and other speakers to use the state language during council sessions.
The law on the development of individual educational trajectories for students, +3 points
Law 3642-IX makes the Ukrainian higher education system significantly more flexible.
Firstly, students will be able to choose the duration of their university studies. The time required to complete a program can be reduced by up to 25%. However, the provision allowing for extended study duration will only come into effect after the end of martial law to prevent its use as a means to avoid mobilization.
Secondly, students will have the opportunity to choose interdisciplinary educational programs. Initially, they will study under a universal program and select their specific specialization after the first year of study.
Thirdly, the process of recognizing educational achievements obtained through non-formal and informal education or during internal and international academic mobility programs will be simplified. This provision is explicitly included in the law.
Information about the Reforms Index project, the list of Index experts and the database of the regulations assessed are available here.
Chart 3. Value of Reform Index components and number of events
Reform Index from VoxUkraine aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of reform efforts by Ukraine’s authorities. The Index is based on expert assessments of changes in the regulatory environment in six areas: Governance, Public Finance, Monetary system, Business Environment, Energy, Human Capital. Information about the Reforms Index project, the list of Index experts and the database of the regulations assessed are available here.
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