Ukraine expects 2.5 bln euros from EU in Nov, first tranche from new package of 18 bln euros in Jan - Ukrainian PM

MOSCOW. Nov 18 (Interfax) - Ukraine is hoping to receive 2.5 billion euros in macrofinancial assistance from the European Union next week and the first tranche from the new package in an amount of 18 billion euros in early 2023, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal said after meeting with European Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis on Friday, the Ukrainian media reported, citing the Ukrainian prime minister's Telegram channel.

"We expect to receive from the EU 2.5 billion euros in macrofinancial assistance next week. That was among the issues discussed with European Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis. Following today's talks, we also hope to receive the first part of the EU funding in January 2023 in Macrofinancial Assistance Plus in a total amount of some 18 billion euros," the Ukrainian prime minister said on his Telegram channel.

"We continue deepening integration of Ukraine in the EU common market. In particular, it was agreed to revise the plan of priority actions to introduce an agreement on a free trade zone. We are working to promptly join the EU common roaming zone and 'individual visa-free regime,'" Shmygal said.

The new macrofinancial assistance program has not been approved by the EU. It envisages some conditions, in particular, measures to strengthen management and fight corruption.

According to earlier reports, the European Commission in early November officially published a proposal to give Ukraine up to 18 billion euros in 2023 in the new macrofinancial assistance format, Macrofinancial Assistance Plus, in regular payments.