On 28 April 2026, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted, in the second reading and as a whole, the draft Law of Ukraine on Expanding the Jurisdiction of International Arbitration (Reg. No. 12141), submitted by People’s Deputies of Ukraine M. Stefanchuk, I. Kalaur, R. Babiy, and others.
The ICAC notes the importance of this Law for enhancing Ukraine’s investment attractiveness in the context of its post-war recovery, as well as for further development of arbitration infrastructure and promotion of Ukraine as a seat for arbitration. The Law is also of significant importance for the implementation of reforms underway as part of Ukraine’s path to the EU membership.
With the adoption of this Law, investment disputes arising from investment activities in Ukraine or abroad may be referred to international arbitration with the seat of arbitration in Ukraine on the basis of an international treaty, law, other regulatory act, or agreement between the parties, and in accordance with the dispute resolution rules of both Ukrainian and foreign arbitral institutions. It is anticipated that this will significantly strengthen guarantees for the protection of investors’ rights, increase the level of legal certainty in investment relations, and boost confidence in Ukraine as a jurisdiction open to investment.
These legislative changes send an important signal to the international community regarding Ukraine’s commitment to the principles of the rule of law, modern standards of investment protection, and the advancement of effective dispute resolution mechanisms. This is particularly relevant in the context of attracting investments for the reconstruction of infrastructure, energy, industry, defense, and other strategic sectors of the economy.
In addition, the amendments to the Law create additional preconditions for transforming Ukraine into a modern arbitration hub in Eastern Europe and an arbitration-friendly jurisdiction. It also strengthens the role of international arbitration for effectively protecting the rights of investors.
