This Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Order No. 532-r dated June 4, 2026, is aimed at the decentralization of vocational education institution management and the acceleration of their transfer from state to communal ownership. The document clearly delineates the powers between the Ministry of Education and Science, regional administrations, and city councils of regional centers regarding the management, financing, and supervision of the activities of such institutions. Furthermore, the Order establishes mechanisms for ensuring the educational process and social guarantees under martial law.
### Structure and Key Changes
The Order introduces comprehensive amendments to Act No. 831 of 2017, updating terminology and the list of functions for local authorities.
* **Terminology:** The term “vocational-technical” (професійно-технічна) has been removed; the term “vocational education” (професійна освіта) is now used.
* **Expansion of Powers:** The list of duties for regional administrations and city councils has been detailed (from personnel matters and financial planning to the provision of inclusion and security).
* **Procedural Norms:** New clauses 4-1 and 4-2 have been added, which regulate the transfer of institution property into communal ownership and the implementation of state guarantees during martial law.
### Key Provisions for Practical Application
To understand the importance of this document, three blocks should be highlighted:
1. **Management Hierarchy:** Local authorities (Regional State Administrations/Military Administrations and city councils of regional centers) receive a full set of management tools: from the appointment of heads and the conclusion of contracts with them to the approval of staffing tables and supervision of financial and economic activities.
2. **Transfer of Property:** A clear algorithm of actions has been established for the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Economy, and local administrations regarding the write-off of problematic property (dormitories, premises) and the transfer of integrated property complexes of vocational education institutions from state to communal ownership. This is critically important for completing the vocational education decentralization reform.
3. **Safety and Guarantees:** Under martial law, local administrations are tasked with ensuring state guarantees for employees and students, as provided for by Article 57-1 of the Law of Ukraine “On Education” (preservation of payments, social protection, etc.).
This act effectively completes the process of transferring responsibility for vocational education to the local level, granting regions all the necessary powers for the operational management of institutions.
