European Commission to Provide 9 Bln Euros to Ukraine

The EU authorities are preparing macro-financial assistance for Ukraine this year, as well as a reconstruction program for the country. The European Commission intends to allocate to Ukraine this year’s macrofinancial assistance of up to 9 billion euros, EC head Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday, May 18. As she said, these funds will be allocated in the short term for “existing needs, to support the government, the state budget”. Also, von der Leyen said that the European Union intends to lead efforts to rebuild post-war Ukraine. “We have to think about tomorrow, in terms of a larger effort aimed at reconstruction. The EU has a responsibility and a strategic interest in leading this reconstruction effort. Today we have developed principles on how to build such capabilities, such a platform. Reconstruction principles must combine investment and immediate reforms,” she said. The EC head expressed confidence that “over time this blend of reforms and investments will support Ukraine as it moves forward on its European path.” “This is very important for the accession process,” the politician said. Von der Leyen reported that a plan will be approved that “will reflect the needs identified by Ukraine.” “The plan will focus on key areas of reform, such as anti-corruption, administrative capacity, the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary. And, of course, the green and digital transition and fundamental European values should be firmly established,” she said. In addition, the head of the European Commission said that the EU would not be “the only contributor to this effort.” “Therefore, as part of this plan, we propose a reconstruction platform, a platform led jointly by Ukraine and the European Commission that will bring together contributions from member states, financial donors, international donors, international financial institutions and other like-minded partners. The aim of this platform is to agree on the direction of development and to guarantee maximum synergy of all efforts. These investments will help Ukraine rise stronger, more resilient from the devastating price of Putin’s army,” she said. According to media reports, the program called “Rebuild Ukraine” in the EU is planned to be approved as early as May 18.   Корреспондент