Ukraine and the European Union count on the completion, which means the provision of a second tranche of the fourth macro-financial assistance in the amount of EUR 500 million in early 2019. This was discussed during the talks of Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman with the Vice-President of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis.

It should be noted that in May 2018, following similar negotiations with the participation of the Head of Government, the European Commission adopted the decision on a new macro-financial assistance program. In September, a Memorandum was signed, and in December Ukraine received the first tranche worth EUR 500 million.

"Due to joint efforts  we managed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding and the  Loan Agreement as well as to allocate the first tranche of macro-financial assistance in a short time," Volodymyr Groysman stressed. "We praise staunchest and consistent support of our efforts aimed to implement reforms. The priority of our joint work for the near future is deepening of sectoral cooperation in the field of digital economy, energy and trade liberalization. "

In turn, the Vice-President of the European Commission noted that the stabilization of the macro-financial situation in Ukraine was impetus for making a decision to allocate funds to Ukraine. Therefore, the EU expects that Ukraine will continue to maintain the reform momentum and will pay attention to targeted changes in the tax, energy, financial and social sectors.

Background

On December 17, Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman is on a working visit to Brussels. He held talks with the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini during which the parties stressed the necessity to consolidate international pressure on the aggressor state and strengthen the sanctions policy, first and foremost, in order to liberate Ukrainian sailors and military vessels, as well as to restore freedom of navigation in the Sea of Azov.

The Head of Government also held the fifth meeting of Ukraine–European Union Association Council during which the results of the implementation of the Association Agreement were summed up and the work on shaping the sectoral blueprint for cooperation in economic, energy, digital and security spheres was kicked off

Within the framework of the visit Volodymyr Groysman held talks with  President of the European Council Donald Tusk. The issue of  possible participation of the European Union in support programs of areas neighboring the Sea of Azov was touched upon during the negotiations.