Yesterday, Ukraine and the EU signed a Memorandum of Understanding under which our state would receive EUR 18 billion in 2023. The first tranche of EUR 3 billion has been transferred to the accounts of Ukraine. This was announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at a Government session on January 17.

“These funds are needed, in particular, for the payment of pensions, salaries, social benefits. We thank our European friends,” the Prime Minister stressed.

Denys Shmyhal also noted that Ukraine is currently preparing for a meeting with a delegation of the European Commission headed by Ursula von der Leyen, who will arrive in Kyiv on February 2 for intergovernmental consultations.

“We will ‘synchronize watches’ on implementation by Ukraine of the European Commission’s recommendations, assess the degree of progress and get an understanding of the prospects of our joint work,” the Prime Minister said.

According to the Prime Minister, Ukraine will move further towards the “industrial visa-free regime” (ACAA agreement), accession to the EU roaming zone, integration into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). Also, an extension of duty-free import of Ukrainian goods to Europe will be negotiated.

Besides, the parties will discuss all urgent issues: cooperation in the military sphere, support for energy, financial sphere, humanitarian cooperation, and other important issues.