The Ukrainian Book Institute has summarized the results of the state “eBook” program for the first half of 2025. As of July 1, 18‑year‑old citizens had already spent 91.5 million hryvnias on books. The program, launched at the end of 2024, allows everyone who turns 18 to receive 908 hryvnias through the Diia app to purchase printed books.
According to the Institute, young women make up the majority of those who used the program — 64.9% of participants, while men account for 35.1%. Most of the funds were spent online: 62.18% of the total amount, or more than 56 million hryvnias, went to online bookstores. Another 37.82% was spent in 277 physical bookstores across Ukraine, which amounts to about 34.6 million hryvnias.
At the same time, the Institute noted that not all recipients manage to use the funds. About 20% of participants did not purchase any books within three months after the money was credited, after which the unused funds are returned to the program and passed on to the next applicants.
The Institute reported that in 2025 the available funding will cover only half of the potential participants. Nevertheless, it emphasized that if the program experiences a shortage of resources, the government will look for additional funds to ensure support for everyone eligible.
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