EU announces new support for Ukraine's transition
30 Apr 2014 10:54 AM
In response to the urgency of mobilising
assistance contributing to the stabilisation and development of Ukraine, the
European Commission has adopted a special support package worth €365
million.
The
programme is conditional, subject to progress in reforms in the following
areas: the fight against corruption, public administration, constitutional
reform, electoral legislation and justice reform. First disbursements are
expected to take place after the signature of the Financing Agreement by the
European Commission and the Ukrainian government.
Štefan Füle, Commissioner for European
Neighbourhood Policy, stated: “The EU is not only closely
watching events in Ukraine and expressing its readiness to support it, but
is also delivering in deeds. With today’s assistance package
we are encouraging and supporting the Ukrainian authorities
to continue with reforms and in the process of inclusive national development.
This package will also support the European Agenda for
Reform, recently discussed with the Ukrainian
authorities.”
Background
The
Special Measures 2014 for Ukraine is part of the support package announced by
President Barroso on 5th March (see link below), and include two
actions:
1. State Building Contract (€355
million)
The
State Building Contract in the form of budget support will provide financial
support in the short term to support the process of transition. The general
objective is to support the government of Ukraine in addressing short-term
economic problems and preparing for in-depth reform in the context of political
association and economic integration with the EU on the basis of the
Association Agreement/Deep Comprehensive Free Trade Areas through support to
improved governance, the fight against corruption, judiciary reform and public
administration reform.
The
first disbursements (€250 million) are expected to take place shortly
after the signature of the Financing Agreement by the Ukrainian
government.
2. Support to Civil Society (€10
million)
The
Civil Society Support Programme will accompany and complement the support
provided to Ukraine under the State Building Contract, to enhance the role of
civil society; promoting and monitoring democratic reforms and inclusive
socio-economic development in Ukraine. The action will be implemented through
calls for proposals for funding actions implemented by civil society
organisations and through technical assistance providing training and advice on
support to structured dialogue between the authorities and the civil
society.
The
European Agenda for Reform
Commissioner Füle travelled to Kyiv on 24 March,
leading a high-level Commission delegation, in order to work with the Ukrainian
authorities on a number of reforms that are necessary both in the area of
democratic institutions and the economy.
Following discussions with the Ukrainian authorities, a
"European Agenda for Reform" is being established to match the
EU's short- and mid-term support with Ukraine needs.
The
European Commission has also decided to create a Support Group for Ukraine to
provide a focal point, structure, overview and guidance for the
Commission's work to support Ukraine.
For
more information
Website of the Commissioner Stefan
Füle:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/fule/index_en.htm
Website of DG Development and Cooperation –
EuropeAid (Eastern Partnership webpage):
www.ec.europa.eu/europeaid/easternpartnership
Delegation of the European Union to
Ukraine:
http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/ukraine/index_en.htm<
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European Commission's support to Ukraine
(Announcement of 5 March 2014):
MEMO/14/159: European Commission's support to
Ukraine