Recently, Ukraine’s Business Ombudsman, Roman Waschuk, met with representatives of Ukrainian media at his office. He summarized what 2024 was like for the business climate in Ukraine and emphasized the most common issues entrepreneurs faced in their relations with government authorities, which lead them to seek assistance from the Business Ombudsman Council.
Our Work Priorities
- Resolving Individual Complaints and Systemic Business Issues
The Council helps entrepreneurs combat government malpractice and addresses systemic issues by providing recommendations to state authorities on eliminating regulatory barriers to doing business in Ukraine. - Engaging Businesses in Ukraine’s Recovery and Addressing War-Related Challenges
The Council has launched the Policy & Recovery operational direction. Actively involved in the dialogue on recovery and private sector challenges, the Council considers complaints related to reconstruction and works on solutions for systemic business issues in this area. - Promoting Good Governance to Build Trust Between Business and Government
The Business Ombudsman Council advocates for the Declaration of Fair and Reasonable Administration. Developed by the Council, this document serves as a roadmap for regulating the relationship between Ukrainian state authorities and entrepreneurs.
Key Performance Indicators for 2024
- 1,191 complaints received
- 659 cases closed
- 64% of closed cases were resolved successfully
- UAH 2 bn saved for Ukrainian entrepreneurs
- 96% complainant satisfaction rate (based on feedback responses)
In 2024, the Council conducted an onw-initiative investigation into tax audits. The report outlines several ideas that could enhance the effectiveness of tax inspections and foster a partnership-based relationship between business and the government.
Regional Outreach
The Business Ombudsman Council actively engages with businesses across Ukraine’s regions and maintains connections with local governments. This approach aims to improve the resolution of business-related issues more effectively.
In 2024, the Council conducted six regional visits to Odesa, Cherkasy, Lviv, Rivne, Ternopil, and Chortkiv.
Key Outcomes of Regional Visits
– The exclusion of a distillery in Cherkasy from the list of risky taxpayers
– The cancellation of UAH 1 bn revenue increase tax notifications-decisions for a wood panel manufacturer and distributor from Volyn
– A lighting equipment plant in Ternopil resumed production and continued deliveries (case review by the Council is ongoing)
