The White Book of Reforms offers the most comprehensive account of the legislative processes and initiatives that drive Ukraine forward. 

Some reforms began back in the 1990s and were initially unsuccessful — such as the privatization of state property. Others were implemented much later, for example, the law that opened the land market was adopted in 2020. Some reforms are only unfolding. The White Books are based on the Reform Index, the database of significant legislative changes since 2015. 

They provide the framework for reforms and explain their logic, helping to understand why some reforms succeed while others are in limbo or stalled, and how specific legislative changes have impacted the lives of Ukrainians.

Reform — change that is made to a social system, an organization, etc. in order to improve or correct it (Oxford Dictionary).

According to the Reform Index team calculations, since early 2015, the authorities have adopted over 1,650 reform-oriented legal acts and about 40 anti-reforms. While the number of negative decisions is significantly smaller than of the positive ones, not all reforms can be deemed successful.

This White Book focuses on reforms implemented during the past decade of Ukraine’s modern history with a particular attention to those introduced since the previous White Book was published in 2019. Certain areas, such as the reform of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, were not covered in our previous White Books, therefore, we describe them since 1991. The White Book of Reforms 2025 provides a comprehensive yet concise overview of key changes in 16 sectors, including governance, international trade, healthcare, and public finance.

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Ukraine combines positive and negative features of both developed and developing countries. For example, low birth rates, aging population, and a shrinking labour force are demographic features typical of developed nations. At the same time, labour market participation of women and seniors, use of the new technologies, and energy efficiency in Ukraine are closer to emerging markets. Economic growth of 2–3% is typical for developed countries, while Ukraine’s per capita income remains at the level of a developing economy. Like many developed nations, Ukraine has substantial social obligations.

However, it struggles to raise enough revenue to fund them: tax evasion and capital flight are at par with the third-world countries. How is Ukraine coping with these challenges? What has been achieved since 2014 due to renewed reform efforts? Find out in the White Book of Reforms 2019, jointly produced by VoxUkraine and the Kyiv School of Economics.

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Between 2014 and 2018, reforms were permanently on Ukraine’s agenda. While well-informed foreigners are impressed by the country’s progress, many Ukrainians remain dissatisfied with the pace of reforms. This dissatisfaction can pave the way for revanchist forces to win elections and reverse the progress already made, as no reform is irreversible. Reforms need protection, including by citizens.

However, to prevent the rollback of reforms, citizens must understand their rationale and expected results. The White Book of Reforms-2018 informs Ukrainians about substantial reform achievements: first of all in the banking sector, energy, decentralization, and public procurement. The book also talks about the new challenges Ukraine is facing, such as labour shortages and international trade barriers.

This book was prepared by the Kyiv School of Economics. We are publishing this book on the VoxUkraine web-page because many of its co-authors are members of the VoxUkraine editorial board or Reform Index experts.

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In the three years after the Revolution of Dignity, has Ukraine reformed, or has it only talked about reforms? This book offers food for thought, not a ready-made answer.

In our view, Ukraine needs institutional reform. Institutions matter because they shape both social and economic interactions. Healthy institutions create the right incentives at the micro level, thereby boosting overall economic efficiency. Sustainable economic growth is unlikely when extortion is more profitable than production and lies triumph over truth. Inclusive institutions promote honest business practices and minimize the expected gains from corruption and fraud. Ukraine’s current institutions are not performing these functions very well, which is hardly surprising. It is impossible to change in a few years what has been entrenched for decades, if not centuries. 

Still, we observe meaningful changes — in the central bank, public procurement, energy sector, or local governments. These reforms stabilized the macroeconomic environment and significantly improved public finance management. What worked, and what didn’t? Find out in the White Book of Reforms 2017, authored by the Kyiv School of Economics. We are publishing this book on the VoxUkraine web-page because many of its co-authors are members of the VoxUkraine editorial board or Reform Index experts.

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