The European Union supports Ukraine

High level meeting to coordinate international support for Ukraine

On 8 July, the EU institutions and member states, Ukrainian government and international donors will gather for a High Level Meeting in Brussels to discuss the key priorities and support for Ukraine going forward.

The meeting will be organised by the European Commission services in cooperation with the European External Action Service and will be chaired by Štefan Füle Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy.

“The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement recently signed in Brussels is a tangible step towards a more modern, democratic and prosperous Ukraine. It needs now to be implemented, together with the European agenda for reforms that will bring the country closer to the European Union. Ukraine ownership of this process is essential. But so is international support and solidarity. The European Union has been providing wide ranging political, financial and technical assistance to Ukraine's domestic reform process. Other international donors have also been very active. We will meet on 8 July, together with the Ukrainian government, to ensure effective coordination of our common efforts” said European Commission President, José Manuel Barroso.

The High Level Meeting will provide an opportunity to present the European Agenda for Reform and discuss key short and medium term priorities for Ukraine. It should also agree on the donor coordination structures and next steps towards a donors and investors’ conference to be held later this year.

The Support Group for Ukraine, announced in April, will coordinate the Commission’s work to ensure that Ukrainian authorities have all the support they need to undertake the political and economic reforms and stabilise the country.

Background

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" has been established to match Ukraine needs with EU's short- and mid-term support.

Support Group for Ukraine

On 9 April, the Commission decided to create a Support Group for Ukraine. This group, based in Brussels, in close cooperation with other Commission Services and the European External Action Service, will act as a focal point, providing structure and guidance for the Commission's work to support Ukraine. It will also help mobilise Member States' expertise and further enhance coordination with other donors and the International Financial Institutions.

The European Agenda for Reform will serve as a roadmap for the Support Group.

EU support package

On 5th March, the European Commission adopted a large support package worth €11.1 billion over the next seven years. This package is composed of EU assistance (grants and loans), and loans from EU-based international financial institutions – the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The EU assistance amounts to €3 billion and comprises €1.5 billion in the form of grants and €1.6 billion in the form of loans for macro-financial assistance.

The Special Measure for Ukraine of €365 million, adopted on 29 April, is part of the EU grant assistance. It includes two actions: a state building contract (€355 million) and support to civil society (€10 million).

The State Building Contract, in the form of budget support, provides financial assistance 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 Area through support to improved governance, the fight against corruption, judiciary reform and public administration reform.

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