Rankings and Ratings
Some good news, some bad. Let’s start with the good news.
In the latest annual Ease of Doing Business Ranking from the World Bank, Ukraine has moved up five spots and now sits at number 71 out of 190 countries analysed. A five-spot advance doesn’t sound like much, but, for context, at least Ukraine is in the top half of the league. In addition, this is a continuation of a trend that has been ongoing for a few years. Since the Revolution of Dignity, Ukraine has been making steady gains and, whereas in 2014 we were sitting not very prettily at 112th, in total Ukraine has gained 41 places. Bravo, and long may it (please god) continue.
The not so good news… According to the Pollution Index, Kyiv takes home the prize for 10th most polluted city in Europe. The sad fact is that with the central streets often jammed with cars and far too many vehicles blowing acrid smoke that would be banned if Ukraine (please god) were an EU-member state, the pollution that hangs in the air is something we all have to live with. Maybe a London-style congestion charge is in order. Or, maybe people simply need to stop making journeys through the centre of the city unless they need to. Or, maybe people should make more use of the excellent and inexpensive public transport Kyiv has. All good options.
