The new Civil Code could complicate the rules for landowners and agribusinesses
The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy held a roundtable discussion on “The Impact of the New Version of the Civil Code of Ukraine on Land and Agrarian Legislation.”
Participants analyzed the provisions of the highly debated draft law No. 15150, which is currently being actively prepared by lawmakers for consideration in the second reading.
The discussion surrounding this document is of strategic importance, as the proposed sweeping changes will significantly impact the future regulation of land relations, the development of the entire domestic agricultural sector, and future law enforcement practices.
The main focus of the attending experts and members of parliament was on the delicate balance between the provisions of the updated civil code and the current land legislation.
Experts examined in detail the features of the legal regime governing land plots, the specifics of property rights to land, as well as mechanisms for protecting the interests of lawful owners and land users.
During the professional discussion, roundtable participants identified potential risks to stable agricultural production and the operation of specialized businesses in Ukraine.
Separately, attendees expressed a clear, consolidated position regarding the division of spheres of legislative regulation and the protection of entrepreneurs’ rights.
“Land relations must be regulated by the Land Code of Ukraine,” the event participants emphasized during the discussion.
In addition, experts noted that “the exercise of the preemptive right to purchase agricultural land plots must be carried out in accordance with land legislation.”
Experts also categorically noted that “the issue of the invalidity of land use agreements must be resolved exclusively on the basis of a court decision.”
Representatives of the agricultural sector expressed concerns regarding the introduction of a new legal institution of possession and cautioned against creating undue pressure on businesses.
They emphasized that “the adoption of the draft should not lead to additional burdensome costs or new obligations for citizens and business entities.”
Additionally, during the meeting, the issues of preserving familiar organizational forms for agricultural producers and protecting intellectual property were raised.
The discussion focused on “the need to preserve the farm as a separate organizational and legal form, to ensure proper legislative support for the activities of agricultural cooperatives in accordance with the Law of Ukraine ‘On Agricultural Cooperation,’ as well as the regulation of issues concerning the protection of rights to plant varieties in Book Four of the draft.”
According to those present, it is important to fully take into account the interests of communities, land share owners, and producers when finalizing the provisions.
The New Civil Code: What Will Change for Ordinary Ukrainians
The new Civil Code of Ukraine has been assessed by the Council of Europe
