UKR/ EUROPEAN COMMISSION PROPOSES €11 BILLION SUPPORT PACKAGE TO UKRAINE

The European Commission today agreed a support package to Ukraine that could mobilize at
 least €11 billion over the next couple of years from the EU budget and EU-based
 international financial institutions to assist the country.
 
 The package outlines concrete measures to assist Ukraine economically and financially that
 “should be seen as the Commission's contribution to a European and international effort to
 support Ukraine's economic and political reforms,” a press release said. The proposal will be
 presented to the EU Heads of State and Government ahead of their extraordinary meeting
 tomorrow.
 
 "The most immediate priority for the EU is to contribute to a peaceful solution to the current
 crisis, in full respect of international law," said European Commission President José Manuel
 Barroso. "In parallel, the international community should mobilise to help Ukraine stabilise
 its economic and financial situation. The European Commission is proposing today a package designed to assist a committed, inclusive and reforms oriented Government in rebuilding a stable and prosperous future for Ukraine. What we propose could bring overall support of at least €11 billion over the next couple of years from the EU budget and EU-based international financial institutions," Barroso added.
 
The package of support to Ukraine proposes short and medium term measures to help stabilise the economic and financial situation in Ukraine, assist with the transition and encourage political and economic reform, the press release said.
 
The proposal is aimed to back Ukraine’s reform programme and further enhance ownership of the Ukrainian authorities. While some of these measures can be carried out quickly, others will require further planning and preparation. For many of them, the urgent and active support of the Council and European Parliament are necessary...(link)