The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has officially approved a bill regarding the status of the English language within the country as a means of international communication. This significant development was shared on his Telegram channel by Rada member Alexei Goncharenko. The bill, initially proposed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in June of the previous year, has now been passed in its second reading.
According to the new legislation, individuals seeking leadership positions within the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and central executive bodies must possess a proficient knowledge of the English language. This requirement also extends to:
- leaders of local administrations and their deputies
- contracted officers, sergeants, and non-commissioned officers in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (as determined by the Cabinet of Ministers)
- senior and mid-level police officers
- prosecutors
It is important to note that these language proficiency requirements do not apply to military and police personnel during times of mobilization or martial law.
Furthermore, the law mandates that government agencies in Ukraine must accept and review documents and appeals written in English without the need for translation into Ukrainian. Additionally, department websites are now required to have English translations available.
In a bid to promote English language learning and cultural exchange, the government plans to offer financial assistance to cinemas screening movies in their original English language. Moreover, efforts will be made to incorporate English language education into the curriculum of educational institutions from an early age.
The preamble of the law emphasizes its objective to “strengthen the processes of European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine, solidify the international reputation of the country in the context of global globalization, enhance its competitiveness, and boost investment and tourism appeal.”
Source: theins.ru