3 Feb 2023 10:18

Ukraine to join key EU programs - von der Leyen

MOSCOW. Feb 3 (Interfax) - Ukraine will join key programs of the European Union, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

"First of all, we are including Ukraine in a number of key EU programmes. Ukraine is joining now or later this year our Single Market programme - we just signed it, the justice program, the citizens program. Very soon you will be able to apply for the funding you were describing for different types of projects. This means more support to the small businesses under the Single Market program, here in Ukraine," the Ukrainian media quoted von der Leyen a saying at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal in Kiev.

Speaking of the justice program, she said that Ukrainian lawyers would be able to participate in various projects. This is how EU and Ukrainian specialists can build long-term partnerships.

According to von der Leyen, Ukraine will pay no fee for participation in the programs.

The EU will open an office for the Horizon Europe program in Kiev by the middle of this year to promote EU funding options, to offer technical support to Ukrainian researchers and innovators, and to bolster relations between Ukrainian and European establishments, she said.

In addition, a 15-point road map has been coordinated to give Ukraine access to the EU internal market.

An agreement was signed in the field of roaming to extend for six months the voluntary undertaking of EU and Ukrainian operators to provide free calls between the EU and Ukraine.