Over 900 hryvnias for adults and parents for books: when will the "eBooks" program launch?

Eighteen-year-old Ukrainians and their parents will receive book vouchers worth 908 hryvnias. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the law back in June, but the program has not yet been launched as expected.

https://focus.ua/economics/681316-programma-eknigi-kogda-nachnut-vyplachivat-908-grn2024-11-30 07:52:58

In Ukraine, the “eBook” program is set to launch. The head of the Ukrainian Book Institute at the Ministry of Culture, Oleksandra Koval, shared in a comment to the publication "Babel" on November 29 when the first payments can be expected.

The law on book vouchers and subsidies for bookstores was signed back in June. According to this law, Ukrainians who turn 18 after January 1, 2024, will be able to receive 908 hryvnias for books. Additionally, the voucher will be available to one parent of children born from January 1 of the following year after the lifting or cancellation of martial law.

It was anticipated that the "eBook" program would launch in September 2024, but this did not happen. The Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications explained to media inquiries that they are preparing a draft resolution for the government.

"The process of preparing the technological solution necessary for implementing the programs is also in the final stages," the Ministry of Culture noted.

Once the Cabinet of Ministers approves the procedure for providing book vouchers, the ministry's press service will announce it. However, according to Koval, the preparation of the legislative framework will take at least until the end of the year. This means the "eBook" program will not be operational until at least 2025.

"We are waiting for the resolution. After that, it will take another 1-2 months for testing the data exchange system and finalizing the list of distributors authorized to sell with 'eBook' funds. So, it is unlikely to happen this year," the head of the Ukrainian Book Institute informed.

Let us remind you that starting from December 1, a new phase of the "eSupport" program is expected to begin. Ukrainians will be able to receive one thousand hryvnias, which can be donated to the army or spent on various goods.

The Ministry of Economy shared instructions on how to receive one thousand hryvnias and explained what this financial aid can be used for.