**Ukraine Reforms Tracker: Issue 4**
This newsletter, written by Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak, highlights the latest developments in Ukraine’s parliament related to business, economics, and international financial programs.
**Benchmarks and IMF Memorandum**
The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s Parliament, has yet to meet the end-of-December deadline outlined in the Memorandum with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The MPs have rejected draft laws on establishing a new administrative court, citing concerns over the selection process for judges. Discussions with the IMF are ongoing.
**New Administrative Court**
The Verkhovna Rada did not support three draft laws aimed at establishing a High Public Disputes Court (HPDC), which would handle administrative cases involving national state agencies. The decision was made after MPs and the Committee endorsed a model that eliminates the role of international experts in the selection process for HPDC judges.
The commission tasked with selecting a new Director for the Economic Security Bureau held its first meeting on Dec. 5. Laura Stefan, an international expert, was elected as the chair of the commission. The commission will now finalize its working regulations to ensure a transparent and public process in the selection of the bureau’s director.
**Property Confiscation**
The Verkhovna Rada has passed draft law #12243-1, amending the Criminal Code to reinstate property confiscation within plea agreements for individuals accused of major corruption offenses. The provision was inadvertently removed earlier.
**Excise Tax on Tobacco Goods**
The parliament has passed a bill supporting the gradual increase of excise taxes on tobacco products. The legislation proposes a 35.4% increase in the excise tax on cigarettes in 2025, aligning with EU minimum levels.
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