EU urges Ukrainian authorities to join forces on reforms in exchange for funding

Brussels has said that the Ukrainian government, the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) and other institutions must join forces to advance the reforms necessary for Ukraine's European future and to secure European funding.

Source: European Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos during a meeting of the Ukraine Donor Platform in Brussels, which was attended by Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Kos stressed that the EU's approach is that funding and reform must go hand in hand.

The European Commissioner emphasised that the war is continuing far longer than anyone would wish, and that Ukraine still needs substantial financial support.

She recalled that the EU is delivering its share of commitments and made it clear that she expects the same from Kyiv.

Kos noted that Ukraine's progress on reforms will unlock the payment of another €2.9 billion under the Ukraine Plan.

Quote from Kos: "This is a recognition of the important reforms implemented by Ukraine. Substantial EU financing remains available still this year. Our message to our Ukrainian friends is clear: deliver the agreed reforms, so we can continue supporting you financially.

Reforms matter. They build trust. They give Ukraine's partners confidence that our support is being used effectively. They give investors confidence in Ukraine's future. And, above all, they make Ukraine stronger."

Details: Kos added that strong institutions, sound public finances, functioning markets, an independent and effective judiciary, the rule of law and a solid anti-corruption framework are needed not only for EU accession but are also part of Ukraine's security architecture.

She welcomed the renewed momentum on reforms under Prime Minister Koretskyi and his government, but stressed the need for unity within Ukraine.

Quote from Kos: "The Ukrainian language has a good word for this: toloka. This is the tradition of a community coming together when an urgent task is too large for one single family to accomplish alone. That spirit is needed now. The government, the Rada and institutions across Ukraine need to unite around this collective effort and act with determination to deliver the reforms."

Details: Kos also said that toloka is also relevant for Ukraine's donors, who need to shoulder the financing challenge together.

Quote from Kos: "The European Union will be doing its part. And this platform will remain central to coordinating the response among partners."

Background:

• European Pravda previously reported that during a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New York, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that due to the war, the Verkhovna Rada cannot operate as usual and rapidly pass all necessary bills.
• Following this, the European Commission once again said that Ukraine must continue to implement the relevant reforms in order to receive further financial disbursements from the European Union.

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