Language law published in Holos Ukrainy

The text of the document is also available on the newspaper’s official website.

In accordance with the law, the president, the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada and his deputies, the prime minister, all government members, heads of state institutions, enterprises and departments, people's deputies, civil servants and officials of all ranks, heads and staff of the National Police, judges, lawyers and notaries, heads of educational establishments, educators and medical workers of state and municipal health care institutions must speak the official language and apply it during the performance of their official duties.

The law introduces the state program for the promotion of the acquisition of the Ukrainian language, which is approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. At the same time, the law notes that at the state level it is planned to organize Ukrainian language course for adults. The state should also ensure the opportunity to freely learn the state language for Ukrainian citizens who did not have such an opportunity.

The law does not apply to the sphere of private communication and the holding of religious ceremonies.

The law comes into effect on the day following the day of its publication.

As Ukrinform reported, on April 25, Ukraine's Parliament adopted the law on ensuring the functioning of Ukrainian as a state language. A total of 278 MPs voted for the document, with at least 226 votes needed for approval.

On May 15, President Petro Poroshenko signed the law on language.

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