EC to disburse first 3 billion euros out of 18-bln-euro macro-financial support to Ukraine for 2023 on Jan 17 - von der Leyen

BRUSSELS. Jan 16 (Interfax) - The European Commission (EC) will remit the first 3 billion euros out of the 18 billion euro macro-financial support agreed last year for Ukraine on January 17, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

"Tomorrow, we will already disburse the first 3 billion euros of the 18 billion euro macro-financial support agreed in December," the EC president said on Twitter on Monday.

In December 2022, the Council of the EU approved a decision on 18 billion euros in macro-financial assistance to Ukraine for 2023.

"The Council reached agreement on a legislative package which will enable the EU to help Ukraine financially throughout 2023 with 18 billion euro," the council's statement said.

The amount to be lent to Ukraine in 2023 will be 18 billion euros, and the loans will have a 10-year grace period, the statement said. EU members will cover the bulk of interest expenses. Loan guarantees will be provided either from the EU budget or by EU members.