Ukraine passes law to prioritize veterans in civil service and unlock EU funds

Ukraine's parliament enacted a new law on Oct. 26 that brings back open competitions for civil service and municipal positions, simultaneously granting hiring preference to military veterans. The legislation fulfills commitments under the EU's Ukraine Facility, unlocking €137 million (approximately $153 million) in funding, as announced by Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, who said the process will be phased in. Kyrylo Budanov, head of the President's Office and former intelligence chief, argued that veterans possess unique leadership and decision-making experience valuable for state and local governance.

Ukrainian officials note roughly 2 million veterans currently reside in the country, and the Veterans Affairs Ministry projects that veterans and close relatives could comprise up to one-sixth of the population after hostilities end. A 2025 KIIS poll shows 66 % of Ukrainians support veteran involvement in politics, with a small minority opposed. The law also aims to improve transparency in public sector recruitment overall.