European Union officials have confirmed that they do not plan to halt funding for Ukraine. However, they stress the importance of maintaining the independence of the country’s anti-corruption agencies, reports Baltimore Chronicle, citing RBC.
Guillaume Mercier, spokesperson for the European Commission, stated that regarding recent events, the EU has clearly defined its position. He confirmed that there are no plans to freeze funding. Mercier added that one of the most important priorities is ensuring the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies, as well as the implementation of necessary reforms to guarantee the rule of law.
Recently, Mercier also reported that the EU would significantly reduce the next tranche under the Ukraine Facility program. The reason for this is the delay in reforms in Ukraine. It has also become clear that the anti-corruption scandal may have influenced the timing of this payment.
According to information obtained from a government source, Ukraine submitted a payment request for a partial tranche of €3 billion instead of the expected €4.5 billion back on June 6. The European Commission reviewed this request and sent a proposal to the EU Council at the end of June.
As a result, the European Commission evaluated 13 completed reforms in Ukraine and proposed allocating €3.05 billion as the fourth tranche under the Ukraine Facility program. A government source confirmed that this tranche would amount to €3.05 billion and will be transferred after a decision by the EU Council.
Another informed source mentioned that the fourth tranche would indeed be smaller than expected. According to the source, the payment will be delayed until the issues concerning NABU and SAP are resolved, and the independence of these bodies is restored. However, if Ukraine meets all conditions, it may be able to receive an additional €1.5 billion by the end of the year.
Earlier we wrote that EU will fully fund U.S. weapons for Ukraine.