Ukraine News from Brussels: €1 Billion in Aid and Key Agreements on Space and Medicine
On April 9, the 10th meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council took place in Brussels, where Ukraine received significant support from European partners, The Gaze reports.
The EU has transferred €1 billion to Ukraine under the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) initiative, as reported by Ukraine's Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal. This is the third tranche of the G7 initiative, funded by proceeds from frozen Russian assets. These funds will be allocated to priority state budget expenditures.
In total, European allies have provided €5 billion to Ukraine through the ERA program. Additionally, the European Investment Bank is lending €300 million to Ukraine for the restoration of the energy sector and critical infrastructure. The relevant agreements were signed in Brussels.
The bank will provide €100 million for investments in district heating, energy efficiency, and the purchase of essential equipment, such as power and heat generation plants. Another €100 million will support projects aimed at improving water supply and sanitation, while the remaining €100 million will be used for the restoration of water, heating, and sewage facilities, as well as the modernization of basic social services in education, healthcare, and housing.
Ukraine is also intensifying cooperation with the EU in space and medicine. An agreement on Ukraine's participation in EU space programs was signed, aiming to advance the joint development of space technologies in Ukraine, integrate Ukrainian enterprises into the European space market, and contribute to the country’s economic recovery.
Additionally, Ukraine’s accession to the Treaty on Joint Procurement of Medical Protection Measures was formalized. This mechanism allows participating countries to combine their procurement needs for medicines and vaccines, ensuring faster access to these resources on favorable terms and in stable volumes.
As The Gaze previously reported on April 8, Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever announced a €1 billion aid package for Ukraine in Kyiv.
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