Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman urged lawmakers to demonstrate a joint work on the draft state budget for 2019 which is timely submitted, balanced and preserved all priority programs launched by Government. The Head of Government stressed, commenting on the approval of the draft  in the first reading. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved in the first reading the draft state budget for 2019 by 240 votes.

The Prime Minister stressed that at present the task is to endorse a balanced budget when expenditures correspond to incomes.

"We drew up a balanced budget. We are ready to work in synergy with the factions, committees on improving this document for the second reading", the Head of Government said. "Now we must unite to take another step towards development of a strong Ukrainian economy".

On the eve of vote for the draft budget, the Verkhovna Rada also approved in the first reading amendments to the Budget Code that regulate the formation of local budgets in terms of transferring part of the tax payments for the use of subsoil, issues of state guarantees and granting of subventions.