**Ukraine Aims to Get Back on Track with EU Aid**
The Ukrainian government is making efforts to implement necessary reforms to secure the full amount of aid promised by the European Union. Economy Minister Oleksii Sobolev told reporters that Kyiv plans to fulfill all requirements in order to receive the 12.5 billion euros ($14.5 billion) allocated under the Ukraine Facility for 2025.
**Reforms on the Agenda**
Sobolev’s comments come after the EU announced a smaller disbursement of financial assistance due to Ukraine’s failure to complete key reforms by established deadlines. The Economy Minister emphasized that Kyiv aims to get back on track and fulfill all obligations to secure the full tranche of aid.
**Updated Reform Plan**
Ukraine has submitted an updated version of the Ukraine Plan, which serves as a reform roadmap tied to the country’s EU accession process. The new plan includes proposed amendments to push back some requirements while accelerating others. For example, it calls for the adoption of legislation on the sale of public banks to be moved up from 2026 to 2025.
**EU Regulations Allow for Revisions**
European Commission Spokesperson Guillaume Mercier explained that EU regulations allow for revisions to the Ukraine Plan in light of evolving circumstances. He noted that the ongoing conflict has led to objective circumstances that justify amendments to the plan. The European Commission will assess Ukraine’s request and may propose changes to the EU Council.
**Aid Reduction Due to Reforms**
The reduction in aid comes after Ukraine requested a partial payout due to incomplete reforms. Kyiv had aimed to receive 4.5 billion euros ($5.2 billion) but will instead get 3.05 billion euros ($3.5 billion). This decision was made despite renewed scrutiny on Ukraine’s reforms and anti-corruption efforts following President Volodymyr Zelensky signing a law dismantling the independence of top anti-graft agencies.
**Reversal of Anti-Corruption Law**
The controversy surrounding the anti-corruption law has put Ukraine’s path to EU accession at risk. European leaders, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have emphasized the importance of maintaining strong anti-corruption infrastructure.
As Abbey Fenbert, a senior news editor at the Kyiv Independent, notes, “The Ukrainian government’s efforts to implement reforms and secure full aid from the EU are crucial for the country’s economic stability and post-war recovery.”
**What’s Next?**
It remains to be seen whether Ukraine will meet its reform obligations and receive the full amount of aid promised by the EU. The updated reform plan will be assessed, and any proposed changes will be considered by the European Commission.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
