The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has passed a law that enables Ukrainians to vote through Diia application for projects funded by the State Fund for Regional Development. This year's fund of 2 billion UAH was redirected towards bolstering defence capabilities through amendments to the document, as stated on the Verkhovna Rada's website.
According to the parliament's decision, money from the State Fund for Regional Development has been transferred to the Ministry of Defence for the procurement of equipment for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Furthermore, it was noted that from now on, regional residents will be granted the opportunity to vote for projects that have passed formal selection. This means that inhabitants will have the right to decide which projects will be implemented and which will not.
Previously, the document stipulated that out of the 2 billion UAH from the SFRD for 2023, half of this amount, i.e., 1 billion UAH, would be distributed among all regions of Ukraine, and the other half among the regions most affected by military actions. However, due to delays in approval, an amendment was introduced for the second reading to redirect the 2 billion UAH to enhance defence capabilities.
Background. Previously, Mind reported that over 60% of the state budget expenditure in the first quarter of 2023 was directed towards defence.