Brussels, 02/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 1 April, the European Commission and international financial institutions reached an agreement on implementing measures to deliver enhanced assistance to Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova. The objective is to help these countries strengthen their economies and create the conditions for growth and employment. This agreement was reached in a context of “growing regional pressures” on these three countries and the EU's commitment to coordinate international aid for Ukraine.
A Commission press release stated that these measures would help Ukraine to implement the IMF-backed reform package agreed on 27 March. They will also support the implementation of association agreements, including deep and comprehensive free-trade areas, “signed or shortly to be signed between the EU and Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova”. The Commission explained that “priority investment projects for the three countries will be based on a mix of funds, subsidies and loans, from a range of different actors”.
On 5 March, the European Commission announced support worth €11 billion for Ukraine (see EUROPE 11032), including a large programme of €355 million (grant) to support Ukraine's transition through a state building contract, said Commissioner Stefan Füle, EU Commissioner for Enlargement. (CG)