Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada, the parliament, has given initial approval to a draft law that could elevate English to the status of an official language for international communication in the country. The legislation, if passed in the second reading and approved by the president, would mandate proficiency in English for various public sector roles, including those in healthcare, transport, education, emergency services, as well as civil servants and public officials. The vote on the draft law received overwhelming support, with 278 lawmakers in favor, none against, five abstentions, and 37 lawmakers not voting. However, the parliamentary committee opted to remove a controversial provision from the draft that aimed to end dubbing of English-language films in Ukrainian cinemas by 2027. The move followed concerns raised in a petition over the potential negative impact on the Ukrainian dubbing industry and cinema attendance.

Read more at the Kyiv Independent.