The European Commission has transferred the first tranche of €4.5 billion of macro-financial assistance to Ukraine under the €50 billion Ukraine Facility program.
The announcement was made at a briefing in Brussels by EU diplomat Josep Borrell.
He noted that the first tranche, as expected, amounted to €4.5 billion.
"Today we have also made the first payment of €4.5 billion under the Ukraine Facility, our €50 billion package to support Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction and modernization," Borrell said.
"After fruitful discussions in Brussels, I'm pleased to share good news. Today we received a first tranche in amount of €4.5 billion through the Ukraine Facility Exceptional Bridge Financing. Grateful to the EU and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for her invaluable support. This strengthens our economic and financial stability," said Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.
On February 28, the EU Council finally approved a four-year assistance package for Ukraine - the Ukraine Facility. The program envisages providing Ukraine with €50 billion over 2024-2027. €39 billion of this amount will be allocated to the state budget to strengthen macrofinancial stability. The rest will be used as a special investment instrument to cover risks in priority sectors, cover interest on loans, etc.
As a reminder, in early February, all 27 EU leaders agreed on an additional €50 billion support package for Ukraine.