Moratorium on Inspections and Reforms to Support Business During Wartime: What Ukrainian Entrepreneurs Need to Know

Chas Pravdy - 22 July 2025 07:11

During the first meeting of the revamped National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, a significant decision was made that is expected to substantially influence the country's business environment amid the ongoing military aggression. The government has introduced a moratorium on routine and unscheduled inspections conducted by law enforcement agencies, customs, tax authorities, and other regulatory bodies. This move is part of a broader reform agenda aimed at restructuring the oversight system and creating more favorable conditions for entrepreneurship during wartime. Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko emphasized that future control over businesses will be carried out selectively, focusing only on genuine risks and violations, which will help prevent abuses and undue pressure from state authorities. The government also plans to digitalize the oversight system, significantly reducing human intervention and manual interference in business activities. Currently, law enforcement and prosecutors are auditing open criminal cases against entrepreneurs, with about 30% of those cases already closed according to preliminary results. Sviridenko reiterated that the government's goal is to remove artificial barriers and ensure businesses can operate stably even amidst the ongoing conflict. Furthermore, the government is preparing draft laws for submission to the Verkhovna Rada, aimed at amending the Criminal Procedure Code and other legislative acts. These proposed reforms will strengthen protections for entrepreneurs by restricting the initiation of criminal cases concerning businesses solely to the Prosecutor General or regional prosecutors, thereby increasing accountability and transparency. Additionally, provisions will be introduced to lift asset and document seizures when they hinder business operations, and cases lacking sufficient evidence will be automatically closed. Sviridenko stated that these initiatives will enable entrepreneurs to work under safer conditions, reduce pressure from the authorities, and help maintain economic stability during these challenging times.

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