Prague 10th September : Economy and finance ministers of the European Union (EU) member states have endorsed the rapid adoption of additional financial aid to Ukraine in the amount of five billion euros. “The new loan of 5 billion euros will be used to fund the day-to-day operations of the state, and also to guarantee the smooth operation of the nation’s vital infrastructure, including schools, offices and hospitals,” Czech Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura stated in a statement issued on Friday, following the first day of an informal meeting of the ministers of the member states and the central bank governors.
Stanjura said he would also be pushing for “a quick agreement on the allocation of the 3 billion euros remaining”.
The EU has offered 9 billion euros in assistance to Ukraine.
In the early part of August, Ukraine received 1 billion euros of the aid package in two tranches.
Apart from the loan package the attendees of the gathering also debated ways to shield the citizens from the high cost of energy.
“The present situation in the energy markets demands an immediate solution across the EU,” Stanjura was quoted as declaring in the declaration.
“Personally I think it’s sensible to set prices at a European standard for electricity generated from gas and other sources, which can generate huge profits and as well to separate the price of electricity from gas,” he said.
The Czech Minister added that the country is planning to deliver an updated plan of steps next week, which to be a part of any EU-level solution approved by the members.
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