PM Shmygal sets priorities of Ukraine Facility program

MOSCOW. July 31 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian government intends to focus on reinforcing defense and security, developing the human resource capital, integrating into the European Union markets and on a number of other issues as part of the EU's Ukraine Facility program, which envisages 50 billion euros in funding, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal said.

"Ukraine will be a member of the EU and NATO. Jointly with the government team, we have coordinated our steps to implement changes and reforms under the European Union's Ukraine Facility program, which provides funding of 50 billion euros over the next four years," Ukrainian media quoted Shmygal as saying in a social media post.

"The key areas of work on which the government is focused are reinforcing the country's defense and security, digitalization, integration into European markets, new approaches in the veteran and social policy, developing the human capital, and energy independence. Security, energy efficiency, environmental friendliness and barrier-free environment are also integral to the modernization of our country. These parameters will be mandatory in Ukraine's reconstruction and in implementing all future projects," he added.

These changes are bringing Ukraine closer to accession to the EU and NATO, Shmygal said.