Ukraine is actively implementing large-scale reforms aimed at strengthening the economy and creating the conditions for joining the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2025. This was announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during the opening of the OECD ministerial meeting held on June 3.
This is reported by Finway
Ukraine’s Steps Towards OECD Membership
As noted by the head of government, Ukraine began cooperation with the OECD in 2023 by launching a relevant program in Paris and initiating dialogue regarding membership. Over the past two years, Ukraine, together with the organization, has implemented 23 joint initiatives and engaged with eight legal instruments that are crucial for future membership.
During this period, the Ukrainian government:
- established and launched an anti-corruption infrastructure, having nearly fully implemented the State Anti-Corruption Program, which meets 80% of OECD criteria;
- significantly expanded the digitalization of government services;
- carried out extensive deregulation, abolishing up to 2,000 regulatory acts;
- achieved success in implementing OECD standards in the areas of privatization and corporatization: revenues from privatization exceeded planned figures by 2.5 times;
- conducted a triage of state enterprises and identified a list of companies that will have independent supervisory boards established.
Results of Reforms and Future Plans
The Prime Minister noted a significant decrease in the level of everyday corruption among Ukrainians in recent years — from 70% to 15%. According to him, this indicates a shift in the state development model from post-Soviet to European.
“We expect to join the OECD next year,” said the head of government.
In November 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the Action Plan for the Implementation of the OECD Program for Ukraine. Denys Shmyhal emphasized that membership in the OECD will be an indicator of Ukraine’s readiness to join the European Union and will also serve as a signal to foreign investors about the potential of the Ukrainian market.