🇺🇦🏛️ Editorial team of www.ndu.kr.ua reports on the outcomes of the plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine held on 26 February 2026. The focus of the session was the ratification of several international agreements aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s positions in diplomacy, security, science, economy, and social policy, as well as commemorating the 12th anniversary of resistance to the occupation of Crimea.
This session reaffirmed Ukraine’s strategic course toward European and Euro-Atlantic integration, the expansion of international partnerships, and the enhancement of the state’s internal resilience.
Key Parliamentary Decisions
1. Strengthening International Diplomatic Presence
The parliament ratified the Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Croatia on the employment of family members of diplomats (Reg. No. 0351). This document allows family members of diplomatic staff to work in both countries.
Additionally, the Law on the ratification of the Agreement with the Slovak Republic on mutual understanding regarding the placement of diplomatic missions (Reg. No. 0362) was adopted, reinforcing bilateral relations based on parity.
Analytical Note:
Such agreements are not mere formalities—they ensure the sustainable functioning of the diplomatic service, which is crucial during martial law and active international engagement.
2. Information Protection and Security Cooperation with Canada
The Verkhovna Rada ratified the Agreement between Ukraine and Canada on the mutual protection of classified information (Reg. No. 0316).
The document establishes the legal framework for the exchange of sensitive information between authorized entities of both countries.
What This Means for Citizens:
It enhances the security of international defence, technological, and institutional cooperation. Modern defence programs, investments, and joint security projects are impossible without protected mechanisms for information exchange.
3. Restoring Scientific and Technological Partnership with the EU
The parliament ratified the Agreement with the European Union on restoring the validity of the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (Reg. No. 0361).
This step reinstates Ukraine’s full participation in EU scientific programs, access to research infrastructure, and integration into the European Research Area.
Strategic Importance:
Preserving Ukraine’s scientific potential;
Enabling universities to participate in joint projects;
Attracting investment in research and innovation;
Supporting young researchers.
In the context of post-war recovery, science and innovation become the foundation for economic modernization.
4. Access to the European Social Fund Plus (EaSI)
The parliament adopted the Law on Ukraine’s participation in the “Employment and Social Innovation” (EaSI) strand of the European Social Fund Plus (Reg. No. 0359).
EaSI has a €762 million budget within the EU’s 2021–2027 financial framework.
Practical Impact:
Supporting employment;
Modernizing labour market policies;
Promoting social innovations;
Assisting vulnerable population groups;
Enhancing workforce mobility.
For Ukraine, this is a tool for social stabilization amid war and large-scale population displacement.
5. Financial and Economic Instruments for Recovery
Poland – Institutional Financial Support
Ratified the Agreement with Poland on the operations of Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego in Ukraine (Reg. No. 0363), which establishes the legal basis for loans, guarantees, and financial tools for recovery projects.
Slovenia – Technical and Financial Assistance
Adopted the Law on ratifying the Agreement with Slovenia on technical and financial cooperation (Reg. No. 0358).
United Arab Emirates – Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Ratified the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the UAE (Reg. No. 0339).
Analytical Conclusion:
Ukraine is diversifying its external economic ties beyond Europe, building a new architecture of economic diplomacy and developing alternative investment channels.
Crimea – 12 Years of Resistance
A separate highlight of the plenary session was the commemoration of the Day of Resistance to the Occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.
Key messages from the parliamentary leadership and MPs included:
Crimea is Ukraine;
De-occupation is a matter of international law and order;
Crimean resistance continues;
International support remains critically important.
Political Signal to the World:
The issue of Crimea stays firmly on the agenda of parliamentary diplomacy and international platforms.
Session Outcomes and Next Steps
The decisions of the 26 February 2026 session demonstrate that the Verkhovna Rada:
Consistently advances the course of EU integration;
Expands its network of strategic international partnerships;
Establishes financial tools for Ukraine’s reconstruction;
Maintains the issue of Crimea’s de-occupation on the global agenda.
The next stage will focus on implementing the ratified agreements through secondary legislation, intergovernmental committees, and practical mechanisms.
The editorial team of www.ndu.kr.ua will continue to inform readers about key decisions of the Verkhovna Rada, analysing them through the lens of European standards of parliamentarism, transparency, and accountability.
