Zelensky signs law providing subsidies for bookstores and book certificates

On June 17, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law to boost the development of Ukrainian book publishing and distribution after it was passed by the country’s parliament with an overwhelming majority of 299 votes in favor.

According to the law, support will be provided to bookstores through rental subsidies, and to individuals as certificates. Currently, 460 bookstores are listed in the Ukrainian Book Institute database as of February 28, 2024.

Certificates will be issued to Ukrainian citizens when they turn 18 and should be received within one year. Upon the birth of a child, certificates will also be presented to one of the parents or a legal representative within one year of birth.

Beginning July 1, 2024, book certificates will be issued to individuals turning 18. State assistance for book purchases upon the birth of a child will commence on January 1 of the year following the end or cancellation of martial law, as stipulated in the President of Ukraine’s declaration “On the Introduction of Martial Law in Ukraine.”

According to Evgenia Kravchuk, a co-author of the legislation, “We have finally succeeded in unblocking the issuance of certificates for book purchases and subsidies for bookstore rental spaces. Notably, all these measures are already budgeted, ensuring no additional expenses from the state treasury.”

The value of the certificate is 908 hryvnias ($23 USD), which equates to the purchase of approximately two hardcover books. 

According to Oleksandra Koval, director of the Ukrainian Book Institute, the program has allocated $9.1 million (370 million hryvnias) in the budget. With these funds, Ukrainian publishers are expected to produce an additional 1.5-2 million book copies.

When the certificates for buying cultural goods and services were first introduced by Zelensky in 2021 to stimulate COVID-19 vaccination among the Ukrainian population, the value of the certificate was 1000 UAH, which allowed the purchase of approximately four hardcover books (or other goods or services).

The certificates will be available through Diia App, a Ukrainian digital public services platform.

Copy Editing: Terra Friedman King