Reform Watch
EXCLUSIVE
Anders Aslund: Seven key reforms for Ukraine in 2016
People dressed in traditional costumes celebrate the Malanka festival in the village of Krasnoilsk, Chernivtsi district, on Jan. 14, 2016. The holiday, which involves dressing in elaborate costumes and going from house to house as a group singing traditional songs, is celebrated on New Year's Day according to the Julian calendar, a week after Orthodox Christmas.
After Orthodox Christmas, I spent a few days in Kyiv. It is quite striking how the mood has changed in a positive direction. The 2016 budget and the modified tax code were adopted on December 24. After two weeks of well-deserved rest, there is a sudden realization that Ukraine accomplished many important economic reforms in 2015. Admittedly, many Ukrainians repeat the mantra that no reforms have taken place, but that is not true. Hundreds of sensible reform laws have been adopted and their breadth is impressive.
