Ukraine’s Parliament Passes Law on Civil Service Competitions with Veterans’ Priority

Restarting Competitions for Government Jobs

According to Офіс реформ: On April 29, Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada approved draft law No. 13478-1 in its first reading, aiming to restart competitive hiring for civil service and local government positions. This legislation introduces a phased restoration of competitions for roles that were filled without a competitive process during martial law, with exceptions remaining for areas where active hostilities are ongoing or which are temporarily occupied.

Key Changes in the Draft Law

The bill also proposes granting veterans priority rights when being appointed to public service positions. This measure is designed to support those who served in the armed forces in advancing their careers. One of the central provisions establishes a clear requirement to dismiss an employee who receives two consecutive negative performance evaluations.

Additionally, the document introduces new personnel management tools, including:

• the creation of a staffing and candidate reserve;
• an onboarding process for public servants;
• the implementation of internal competitions.

These innovations aim to boost the efficiency of state bodies and ensure greater accountability among employees.

This legislative step marks a significant move toward restoring transparency and competitiveness in Ukraine’s public service sector, which is especially relevant as the country focuses on post-war recovery. By prioritizing veterans, the state reinforces its commitment to supporting former military personnel and aiding their reintegration into civilian life. If successfully implemented, these changes could strengthen public trust in government institutions and improve the quality of administrative decisions.

As Ukraine continues to refine its civil service framework, recent adjustments have also been made regarding the qualifications necessary for public sector positions. Notably, the updated entry regulations now mandate military experience for candidates, while eliminating the requirement for basic training. These changes reflect a broader strategy to enhance the effectiveness and professionalism within government roles, further supporting the nation's recovery efforts.