10/03/2025 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 10 March, the European Commission announced the launch of a call for proposals to support small businesses, communities affected by the war and recovery investments in Ukraine. The total amount earmarked for this initiative is €1.6 billion from the Ukraine Facility, in the form of budget guarantees and mixed financing grants. According to the Commission, the initiative encourages financial institutions to help businesses in war-affected regions, particularly those that employ veterans, integrate displaced persons and returnees and support small farmers. It also promotes access to finance for micro-enterprises and start-ups, businesses run by women, young people and disabled people, the mine clearance sector and agri-food businesses involved in mine action. (CG)