By BRUSSELS. Dec 12 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The Council of the European Union has approved EUR 18 billion assistance to Ukraine in 2023, the Council said in a communique published in Brussels on Saturday.
"The Council reached agreement on a legislative package which will enable the EU to help Ukraine financially throughout 2023 with 18 billion euro. The proposal was adopted by the Council today via a written procedure and it will be submitted to the European Parliament for its possible adoption next week," the Council said.
"Ukraine can count on the EU. We will continue to support Ukraine, also financially, for as long as it takes," Zbyněk Stanjura, the Finance Minister of the Czech Republic that currently presides in the Council of the European Union, said.
The amount to be lent to Ukraine in 2023 will be EUR 18 billion, and the loans will have a 10-year grace period, the communique said. EU members will cover the bulk of interest expenses. Loan guarantees will be provided either from the EU budget or by EU members.
"The aim is to provide short-term financial relief, financing Ukraine’s immediate needs, rehabilitation of critical infrastructure and initial support towards sustainable post-war reconstruction, with a view to supporting Ukraine on its path towards European integration," the Council said.
