On December 18, 2024, an event was organized by the Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA) Committee on Corporate Law and Stock Market jointly with the Corporate Governance Professional Association (CGPA). The topic of the meeting was the discussion of the draft Law of Ukraine on further harmonization of company legislation, including the introduction of gender quotas.

The event brought together leading corporate governance experts, business representatives, and the legal community to analyze the draft law provisions and their impact on the corporate environment of Ukraine.

Key points and speeches of the speakers

Maksym Libanov, Member of the National Securities and Stock Market Commission (NSSMC), emphasized: “The Commission’s agenda is to ensure the implementation of the EU Directive on improving gender balance in national legislation, primarily in relation to joint stock companies. It is important for us to hear the opinion of the market community to determine how to do this most effectively.”

He also noted that gender quotas will apply only to large and listed companies that meet specific requirements in terms of their business. Private and small companies will not be subject to these rules.

Olena Kibenko, Judge of the Supreme Court, emphasized the importance of transparent mechanisms for introducing gender quotas to balance the interests of business and the state.

Moderators of the event

• Volodymyr Igonin, Deputy Chairman of the UBA Committee, Member of the CGPA Board of Directors, Partner at Vasil Kisil & Partner
• Maria Orlyk, Chairman of the UBA Committee, Managing Partner of the Kyiv office of CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz

Materials of the event

Participants had access to the draft law, comparative table and explanatory note. The documents became the basis for a lively discussion, during which the participants expressed their suggestions for improving the legislation.

• Проєкт Закону України «Про внесення змін до деяких законодавчих актів України щодо подальшої гармонізації законодавства про компанії»
• Порівняльна таблиця до проєкту Закону України «Про внесення змін до деяких законодавчих актів України щодо подальшої гармонізації законодавства про компанії»
• Пояснювальна записка до проєкту Закону України «Про внесення змін до деяких законодавчих актів України щодо подальшої гармонізації законодавства про компанії»

Significance of the event

The meeting was an essential step toward establishing a constructive dialogue between the government, business, and corporate governance experts. The ideas and proposals expressed during the event will contribute to further developing the Ukrainian corporate environment in line with European standards.

We thank all participants for their active participation and contribution to important changes!