Rada opens path to receiving over 400 million euros from EU under Ukraine Facility program
The Verkhovna Rada supported three legislative decisions stipulated by the Plan of Ukraine within the Ukraine Facility program. After completion of the necessary procedures, they should open up the possibility for Ukraine to attract €411 million of financial assistance from the European Union to the state budget.
This was reported by the Ministry of Economy and Environment of Ukraine on September 3.
However, all €411 million cannot yet be considered finally unblocked. The Verkhovna Rada has already adopted two draft laws, associated with €274 million of funding, in the second reading and as a whole. Another draft law, necessary to receive €137 million, has so far been supported by the parliament only in the first reading.
In particular, on September 2, deputies adopted draft law No. 12117 on improving the functioning of industrial parks as a whole with 270 votes.
On the same day, 260 deputies supported draft law No. 14271 on the implementation of European Union legislation in the field of renewable energy sources in the second reading and as a whole.
The document provides, in particular, for the development of renewable energy communities, the introduction of European rules for permit procedures for RES projects, the creation of special zones for the development of renewable energy, and cooperation mechanisms with EU countries.
Another draft law No. 15437, necessary for the implementation of the Plan of Ukraine, was supported as a basis by the parliament on September 1 with 249 votes. It provides for the restoration of certain norms of legislation on state aid to business entities and the powers of the Antimonopoly Committee to control its provision, which were limited after the introduction of martial law.
Thus, to receive the full amount of €411 million, the draft law on state aid still needs to undergo the second reading. Completion of other legislative procedures and the signing of the already adopted laws by the president are also necessary.
The Ministry of Economy noted that these decisions are part of the implementation of the structural indicators of the Plan of Ukraine. It is the implementation of reforms agreed with the European Union that is a condition for transferring to Ukraine the next payments within the Ukraine Facility.
Ukraine Facility is designed for 2024-2027 and provides up to €50 billion of support for Ukraine. Funds are provided in stages after the European Commission assesses the implementation of reforms and other structural steps defined in the Plan of Ukraine.
Based on materials: Ministry of Economy and Environment of Ukraine, Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
