The Accounting Chamber criticizes the draft state budget for 2026
Auditors from the Accounting Chamber have criticized the draft state budget for 2026, noting serious risks to its execution. They pointed out a high dependence of the financial system on external aid, the threat of revenue shortfalls, and a lack of transparency in certain expenditure items.
It is noted that the planned revenues of the state budget will amount to 5.45 trillion UAH, while expenditures will be 4.8 trillion UAH. Up to 40% of revenues are expected to come from international aid. Auditors warn of the risks of untimely fulfillment of conditions for receiving funds and the possibility of reduced support from international partners. GDP growth is projected to be only 2.4%, which is the lowest in the last three years.
Among the sources of income, the government has included indicators that auditors believe may be overstated or unfounded. For example, this includes 60 billion UAH from improving the efficiency of the State Customs Service, 26 billion UAH from collecting tax arrears, and more than 22 billion UAH from changes in tax legislation that have not yet been adopted. Overall, real revenues, taking inflation into account, may decrease by 1.1%.
Planned budget expenditures will increase by 9.6% and will amount to 4.8 trillion UAH, but considering inflation, their real sum will decrease by 2.4%. The largest share of funds is directed to the security and defense sector - 2.8 trillion UAH, which is 6.4% more than in the previous year.
For social protection, 481 billion UAH is allocated. However, auditors warn of a possible deficit of funds in the defense sector, particularly for payments to military personnel, which could reach 90 billion UAH.
The analysis conducted by the Accounting Chamber indicates significant risks and shortcomings in the planned state budget for 2026, particularly regarding insufficient financial stability, potential revenue problems, and unfounded revenue indicators. Auditors also pointed to a possible deficit of funds in the defense sector.