Ukraine passes law restoring public hiring contests and prioritizing veterans
The measure unlocks €137 million in EU-linked budget support, Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi said.
Ukraine’s parliament approved legislation on Oct. 26 to bring back competitive recruitment for posts in the civil service and in local government. The measure also gives veterans hiring priority for civil service roles.
Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi said the law meets commitments under the Ukraine Facility, the EU assistance program introduced in 2024, and unlocks €137 million (US$153 million) in budget funding. He said the return to open, transparent recruitment would be gradual.
Ukrainian officials estimate that the country has around 2 million veterans. The Veterans Affairs Ministry said veterans, together with their close relatives, could account for one-sixth of Ukraine’s population after the war ends, or up to six million people.
Several prominent people with military backgrounds have entered senior government roles over the past year. A 2025 survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) found that around 66% of Ukrainians viewed veterans’ involvement in politics positively. Another 19% were neutral, while 7% held negative or somewhat negative views.
