The Law on the Use of the English Language in Ukraine Came into Force
On June 27, 2024, Law No. 3760-IX came into force, which defines the status and rules for the use of the English language in Ukraine.
The law establishes a requirement to speak English for a number of categories of civil servants and other officials. These include, in particular, officials of categories A, B and C, some military personnel and police officers, prosecutors, heads and deputies of local state administrations, heads and members of the management bodies of state enterprises and companies with more than 50% state share, heads of state scientific institutions, higher education institutions, and other persons. The level of English proficiency must be confirmed by an exam or international certificates (CEFR, STANAG 6001).
The law also regulates the procedure for record keeping in state bodies. In particular, foreigners and stateless persons, foreign legal entities may apply to the Ukrainian state and local authorities with inquiries in English, answers to which, at the request of the addressee, may also be provided in English. Official websites of state and local authorities must be duplicated in English.
The law provides for the possibility of receiving emergency calls and providing emergency assistance to foreigners in English. The law also expands the rules on the use of the English language in the fields of education, culture and healthcare. Information signs and announcements in transport (airports, sea and river ports, railway stations, bus stations, vehicles) must be duplicated in English.
The law does not apply to issues of legal proceedings and the administration of justice.
The law provides for the gradual entry into force of these requirements, in particular, some of the norms will come into force only after the termination or abolition of martial law in Ukraine.