Ukraine to participate in EU transport network development program

MOSCOW. June 7 (Interfax) - The agreement on Ukraine's participation in the EU transport network development program Connecting Europe Facility, or CEF, was signed on Tuesday in Lviv by Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov and European Commissioner Adina Velyan.

The document opens the way for Ukraine to receive funding under this program, the total budget of which is about 21 billion euros through 2027, Ukrainian media quoted Kubrakov as saying on social media.

"Now Ukraine has access to these funds. How do we intend to use this opportunity? First of all, the emphasis will be on the development of export logistics on our western borders," Kubrakov said.

The priority here is the throughput capacity of our road and rail checkpoints, the Deputy Prime Minister said.

After discussions with its European partners, Ukraine submitted six project proposals under the program and is awaiting the selection results in June, he said.

Preparation of project proposals for next year has already begun, Kubrakov said.

The financing of projects presented at CEF provides that half the cost be compensated by the applicant country either from its own sources or via international financial organizations, while 50% is provided under the program, the Ministry of Restoration of Ukraine said.

CEF is a financing instrument aimed at supporting investments in the construction and rehabilitation of transport infrastructure in Europe.