The European Union is ready to support Ukraine in the development of its regional policy not only technically, but also financially, EU Regional Policy Commissioner Johannes Hahn said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Regional Development and Construction Minister Volodymyr Yatsuba in Kyiv on Friday.
"In particular, the EU is ready to support the development of effective regional policy through technical assistance and the provision of funds for these needs," the commissioner said.
Hahn noted that in 2011-2013 the EU was ready to allocate Euro 10 million to Ukraine for this purpose.
The commissioner said that regional development policy is among the EU’s priorities, and that its principal aim is bridging differences between regions.
Balance between regions in economic and social areas will be beneficial both for the European Union and Europe at large, Hahn said.
The EU is building its regional policy with other states on the basis of certain programs the commissioner said, adding that such a program between Ukraine and the European Union had run from 2000-2006.
The Ukrainian regional development and construction minister said, in turn, that they agreed with the European Commissioner on a study of the documents that are being drawn up by the ministry, including a concept for regional policy, he said.
