Ukraine and SEPA, the Government adopted a draft law package to join the euro payments area

In December 2025, Ukraine made one of its most notable steps on the path toward integration into the European financial space. On December 17, 2025, the Government of Ukraine officially adopted a package of draft laws aimed at preparing the country to join SEPA. This decision became a key event for the entire banking and payment system of the country and immediately drew the attention of businesses, experts, and international partners.

This is not about declarations or intentions, but about specific legislative changes that should bring Ukraine closer to full participation in the Single Euro Payments Area. From this moment, it can be said that the process of joining SEPA has moved into a practical and legally formalized phase.

Ukraine has long viewed SEPA as part of broader financial and economic integration with the European Union. However, until recently, this path remained more of a strategic goal. The adoption of draft laws in December 2025 confirmed that the state is ready to adapt its rules to European standards and assume the related obligations.

What exactly the Government of Ukraine adopted

On December 17, 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved a comprehensive package of draft laws covering several areas at once. First and foremost, these are changes in the sphere of financial monitoring, banking regulation, and payment infrastructure. The purpose of these documents is to ensure that Ukraine’s financial system meets SEPA countries’ requirements for transparency, security, and combating money laundering.

Special attention in the draft laws is given to the creation and maintenance of centralized registers of bank accounts. At the same time, it is emphasized that such registers will not contain information about transactions or account balances. They are intended to structure data, simplify oversight, and fulfill European legislation requirements in the field of AML and financial transparency.

In effect, the government laid the legal foundation so that Ukrainian banks could in the future operate under the same rules as banks in the European Union and other SEPA participants.

Why this matters right now

SEPA today is not just a payment system, but one of the key elements of Europe’s financial architecture. Participation means that euro transfers within the zone are carried out quickly, with minimal fees, and under uniform rules. For Ukraine, this is especially relevant against the backdrop of growing economic ties with the EU and an increasing number of cross-border euro transactions.

After the draft laws were adopted, it became clear that Ukraine is seriously aiming to enter this payment framework. According to experts, potential accession to SEPA could allow the country to save tens of millions of euros annually solely by reducing fees for international transfers. For businesses, this means simpler settlements with European partners; for citizens, more accessible and faster euro transfers.

SEPA for Ukraine through the eyes of business and citizens

For companies, Ukraine’s future participation in SEPA means the disappearance of the difference between domestic and international euro payments. Exporters, IT companies, freelancers, and trading companies will be able to receive funds from EU countries faster and cheaper, without complex banking chains and additional fees.

For ordinary people, the changes will also be noticeable. Money transfers to relatives, payments for European services, and settlements with foreign companies will become more predictable. In SEPA countries, a euro transfer usually takes one business day and costs the same as a domestic payment.

Current status and what comes next

Despite the importance of the decision of December 17, 2025, Ukraine is not yet a full member of SEPA. The government’s adoption of the draft laws is an initial, but extremely important stage. Next, the documents must be reviewed and approved by parliament, after which a procedure will begin to assess compliance with European requirements by relevant organizations.

Only after completing these stages will Ukraine be able to submit an official application to participate in SEPA and count on the practical connection of banks to the system. Experts assess this process as multi-stage and time-consuming; however, the very fact of legislative preparation indicates a high level of state readiness.

Why the topic of SEPA for Ukraine is becoming trending

Queries such as “SEPA Ukraine,” “Ukraine joining SEPA,” “euro transfers Ukraine,” and “SEPA payments Ukraine” have been actively gaining popularity. This is explained by the fact that the topic directly concerns money, business, and everyday financial operations. The government’s decision in December 2025 turned abstract conversations about SEPA into a concrete agenda with real timelines and actions.

In a broader sense, movement toward SEPA is perceived as another step by Ukraine toward European rules and standards. This increases trust from international partners and creates a clearer and more transparent environment for investment and trade.

In the end, it can be said that the adoption of the draft laws on December 17, 2025 became the starting point of a new stage of Ukraine’s financial integration with Europe. The process is not yet complete, but the direction has been chosen clearly. For Ukraine, SEPA is gradually ceasing to be theory and is becoming a real future that is already being shaped at the level of laws and public policy.