This was announced by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on Friday during a visit to the northern Swedish city of Kiruna. Von der Leyen said support for Ukraine would continue undeterred. The new emergency aid package is the largest the EU has ever set up for a partner country.
According to von der Leyens, the planned international donor platform should also be ready for use this month. It will help coordinate various aids to Ukraine and also ensure that reforms are linked to reconstruction. “Because this paves the way for the European Union,” von der Leyen added.
With the new financial support, the EU wants to enable the Ukrainian state to continue paying wages and pensions. In addition, the operation of hospitals, schools and emergency shelters for resettled people must be guaranteed. In addition, the money should also be used to restore the infrastructure destroyed by the Russian offensive war. This includes power lines, water systems, roads and bridges. According to a Commission spokesperson, the first payment from the new loan program will amount to €1.5 billion.
The country has up to 35 years to repay the loans, which are scheduled to start in 2033. The interest costs are borne by the member states of the EU. The reason for the visit of the President of the European Commission to Sweden was the start of the country’s six-month EU Council presidency on 1 January.
(SDA)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
