Alongside independence of the judiciary and the fight against corruption, reform of the public administration is one of the most important steps Ukraine must take to build for the future.

The adoption today of the Civil Service Law by the Verkhovna Rada is a first but very welcome step towards a more effective, depoliticised, merit-based and professional civil service, able to provide better services for citizens. 

The EU will now provide the Ukrainian government with expert advisers to help design a comprehensive strategy for reform of the public administration. It is essential that this work advance without delay.