Legal regulation of the status of shareholders in corporate governance of Ukraine: analysis of key aspects and challenges

This article conducts a deep analysis of the administrative-legal regulation of shareholders’ rights in joint-stock companies in Ukraine. The main focus is on the classification of shareholders’ rights, which are divided into property and non-property rights. Property rights include the right to receive dividends, the right to a share in the liquidation of the company, while non-property rights include the right to vote at general meetings, the right to information, among others. The article thoroughly examines the role and significance of the general meeting of shareholders as the main governing body of a joint-stock company. The procedures for convening, conducting, and the specifics of decision-making at these meetings are discussed. The article highlights the limitations related to the payment of dividends, analyzing current legislation and judicial practice. Special attention is given to the issue of protecting the rights of minority shareholders, including an analysis of the problems that arise in the exercise of their rights, and discussing possible solutions. The normative-legal base regulating the activities of joint-stock companies in Ukraine is analyzed. Current legislative initiatives and changes in the law that impact shareholders’ rights are illuminated. The article concludes with a review of practical cases from judicial practice, particularly analyzing a series of cases related to the invalidation of share purchase agreements. These examples demonstrate real situations faced by shareholders and illustrate how judicial practice influences the development of corporate law in Ukraine.