The state budget for 2026 approved by the Verkhovna Rada provides for an increase in funding for culture by 45% and strengthening national identity projects. Vice Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy - Minister of Culture Tetiana Berezhna announced this on Facebook, Ukrainian News Agency reports.
"The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine shows positive dynamics in all budget programs. Compared to 2025, planned expenditures increase by UAH 4,820.2 million, or 45%... Next year, the cultural sphere of Ukraine will receive UAH 16,145.1 million," she said.
Berezhna noted that UAH 1,995 million is provided for the remuneration of cultural and educational workers, which is UAH 191.5 million more than in 2025.
On average, the growth rate of wage expenditures will be 10.6%, employees of pre-higher and higher education institutions will receive the largest increase - their labor costs will increase 1.4 times (+UAH 278.8 million).
In 2026, pre-higher and higher education institutions will receive UAH 345.6 million (+31.8%);
national theaters – UAH 106.5 million (+8.5%);
national art groups, concert and circus organizations – UAH 67.5 million (+8.5%);
institutions of general secondary and extracurricular education – UAH 32.9 million (+10%);
national museums, libraries and cultural and educational centers – UAH 83.3 million (+7.2%);
national and state reserves – UAH 52.1 million (+6.8%).
The Ukrainian Cultural Fund will receive UAH 338.2 million in grants and UAH 5.0 million in scholarships in 2026, the amount of funds for grants will increase 1.8 times (+UAH 154.9 million).
An additional UAH 6.3 million is provided for the Ukrainian Book Institute to support book publishing and the promotion of Ukrainian literature in the world.
The Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance will receive an additional UAH 26 million - 13.4 times more than in 2025.
UAH 4 billion has been allocated for the program of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "1000 Hours of Ukrainian Content".
"This is a strategic initiative for national security, designed to increase the amount of Ukrainian content, strengthen Ukrainian identity, strengthen protection against hostile narratives and create a Ukrainian alternative to Russian cultural influence. As well as support the development of the Ukrainian film industry. The technical part of the project is still in the process of implementation. We will present its details later," Berezhna noted regarding the President's program.
The Minister emphasized that culture is important, it is part of Ukrainian identity, a separate economic player, and it is also one of the elements of national security.
She also noted the importance of attracting international support for Ukrainian culture. According to her, there are already EUR 4 million in the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Fund.
As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, in October, the Verkhovna Rada appointed Acting Minister of Culture Tetyana Berezhna as Vice Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy - Minister of Culture.
In November, the Cabinet of Ministers updated the list of paid services that state and municipal institutions can provide, in particular, it allowed cafes and coffee shops to open and sell souvenirs.
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