Ukraine and Moldova to receive 135 million euros from EU

Ukraine and Moldova will receive EUR 135 million from the European Union. These funds from the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument were originally planned also for programs for Russia and Belarus. The European Commission has decided to provide funding only to Kyiv and Chișinău.

The decision to cancel previously planned cooperation with Russia and Belarus under the Interreg programs is “the result of the brutal war of Russia against Ukraine”, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira said.

“I am glad that the funds we had initially planned for this cooperation will now benefit the EU’s programmes with Ukraine and Moldova. This will help strengthen collaboration between EU regions and local stakeholders with Ukrainian and Moldovan partners,” Ferreira added. 

Funds can be used to develop cross-border transportation, health care services, educational and research projects, and social integration schemes and strengthen the institutional capacity of Ukrainian and Moldovan state authorities.

Participation in Interreg programs also brings both countries advantages in administrative capacity and experience in managing and implementing EU funds, the European Commission noted.

Last year in March, the European Commission suspended cooperation with Russia and Belarus within the framework of Interreg programs after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This made it possible to redistribute 26 million euros to support cooperation programs with Kyiv and Chișinău.