You're reading: EU preparing Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova for association

In connection with the Ukrainian crisis, the European Union has stepped up its assistance measures to Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova in the context of implementation of association and free trade agreements with the EU.

“In the context of growing regional pressures on Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, and delivering on its pledge to coordinate international assistance to Ukraine, the European Commission agreed with International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in the presence of EU Commissioner Stefan Fule on 1 April in Brussels to spearhead enhanced assistance measures to the three countries,” the European Commission said in a statement issued on April 1.

The assistance measures include the support to Ukraine to implement the IMF-backed reform package agreed on March 27; as well as the support of the implementation of Association Agreements, including Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas, signed, or shortly to be signed between the EU and Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.

According to the document, priority investment projects for the three countries will be based on a mix of funds, subsidies and loans, from a range of different actors.

“Through the unprecedented international assistance package being prepared for Ukraine and measures to further assist Georgia and Moldova in near future, the EU and international partners step up their support to these countries’ efforts to reform their economies and create the conditions for growth and employment in a competitive international market,” the document reads.

The current meeting between the European Commission and international financial institutions is part of the follow up to the European Commission’s support to Ukraine announced on March 5 for an amount of 11 billion euros.

“The European Commission is preparing a large program of 355 million euros (grant) to support Ukraine’s transition through a State Building Contract,” EU Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Commissioner Stefan Fule said.