The European Commission has detailed the process for Ukraine to access €2 billion under the Ukraine Facility. At a recent briefing, Commission spokesperson Arianna Podesta stated that Ukraine can submit a request for the next payment once several key legislative measures, recently passed by the Verkhovna Rada, come into effect.
Podesta indicated that the request is contingent upon the enactment of five laws, three of which are part of a broader ‘Plan for Ukraine’ designed to facilitate the Ukraine Facility mechanism. This plan was highlighted by European Commissioner Marta Kos in a letter to the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada.
“Once these laws are in force, Ukraine will be able to include them in its next payment request, which will enable the release of currently suspended funds. The process requires that, after the laws come into effect, Ukraine must submit a payment request, including verification of the laws’ enactment,” Podesta explained.
Following this, the European Commission will assess the request and propose an implementation decision to the EU Council, which must approve it before the funds can be disbursed.
Podesta refrained from providing specific timelines for the disbursement of funds. She emphasized the significance of the recent legislative developments, stating, “We welcome the Verkhovna Rada’s adoption of several bills that advance Ukraine’s path toward EU membership. This is a very positive step. I would also like to particularly commend the progress made in legislation related to the IMF.”
On April 7, the Verkhovna Rada approved, in its second reading, Bill No. 14005 concerning the digitalization of judicial enforcement procedures, which is a key indicator under the Ukraine Facility program.
Additionally, the legislature passed Bill No. 12087-d, which aims to integrate Ukraine’s electricity market with that of Europe, as well as a law on ‘industrial visa-free’ travel with the EU.
The Rada also approved the ‘Eurointegration’ Bill No. 14412, which outlines the principles for delineating and distributing powers among levels of public governance.
The European Commission has outlined the necessary legislative steps for Ukraine to access €2 billion in funding. Key laws must be enacted before Ukraine can submit a payment request, which will then be evaluated by the EU Council.