Photo: Depositphotos
17 March 2025
Brussels, Kyiv
The Council of the European Union has approved a new €3.5 billion tranche of aid for Ukraine as part of the Ukraine Facility programme. This is the third disbursement under this initiative, bringing the total amount of support Ukraine has received from the EU over the course of the year to around €20 billion.
In its official communication, the EU Council noted that this step is an important milestone in the process of Ukraine’s recovery from the war and its integration into European structures. At the same time, it was stressed that Ukraine had fulfilled 13 important conditions that included reforms in various areas, including the energy sector and agriculture.
Key requirements and reforms
Among the key requirements that Ukraine has fulfilled to receive this tranche are the following important reforms:
– Renewable energy: Ukraine is actively working to increase the use of renewable energy sources, which is an important step towards energy independence and integration into the European energy market.
– Energy autonomy: Increasing the independence of Ukraine’s energy regulator, which is necessary to ensure the stability and reliability of the energy system.
– Integration into European standards: Simplification of border crossing procedures in line with European standards, which will facilitate business connections and improve the mobility of citizens.
– Development of agriculture: Adoption of a strategy for agricultural and rural development, including important initiatives such as the demining of agricultural land, which will allow the country’s agricultural sector to recover.
– Strategic resources: Continuing work on the list of strategic and critical raw materials that will help strengthen economic security.
Recovery plan and European integration
The EU Council statement also emphasised that Ukraine’s recovery plan covers not only the physical rebuilding of infrastructure, but also the modernisation of the country and the implementation of reforms necessary for EU accession over the next four years. This will allow Ukraine not only to restore its economy, but also to strengthen cooperation with the European Union in various fields.
This new tranche of aid is a sign that the European Union remains on Ukraine’s side, supporting its aspirations for reform and European integration. At the same time, it is an important step for Ukraine on its way to European stability and prosperity.
