Poland intends to insist on an increase in the European Peace Fund, from which arms purchases for Ukraine are financed. To do this, she needs to break the resistance of 4 countries that claim that they are the ones who contribute the most to the fund’s budget and this is a burden for them.
It is reported by RMF24. It is noted that it is about:
- France;
- Germany;
- Italy;
- Greece.
The authors of the material explain: according to the statement of these countries, they ensure the filling of the fund by 60%. In this connection, France, Germany and Italy want to first establish:
- principles of spending this money;
- payment stages;
- what part will be allocated to Ukraine, and what part will go to other joint missions.
The discussion of the issue, it is noted, will be submitted to the summit of EU leaders in June 2023. Before that, it will be discussed:
- ambassadors of the European Union;
- then the foreign ministers.
Earlier, Ukraine received another 1.5 billion euros of budgetary assistance from the European Union. The funds are included in the 18 billion package and have already been transferred to the state accounts of Ukraine. You can spend these funds to cover the “hole” in the budget, but not for military needs.
“In general, since the beginning of the year, financial assistance from the European Union has amounted to 4.7 billion euros. These funds will allow us to maintain macro-financial stability, pay social assistance, pensions, and fully finance the salaries of teachers and doctors,” Prime Minister Denis Shmigal commented. .
The funds are part of a record €18 billion bailout package. It was approved for 2023. Thus, Ukraine predictably receives from Europe 1.5 billion euros per month.
Ukraine cannot spend this money solely at its own discretion, in particular, it cannot be allocated to finance the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Funds should go:
- for urgent budgetary expenses (non-military), including the payment of pensions;
- rehabilitation of critical infrastructure;
- initial support for post-war reconstruction.
As GLOBAL HAPPENINGS reported, meanwhile, the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) struck Ukraine off the list of countries where the state of combating corruption is “globally unsatisfactory.” They said that Ukraine has achieved certain improvements in this matter, having implemented 15 out of 31 recommendations at a satisfactory level or close to it.
Source: Obozrevatel
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