DISINFO: The EU provides practically no assistance to Ukraine
SUMMARY
From the first day of Ukraine gaining independence, the West continued to view Ukraine as part of the former Soviet Union, which explains the openly predatory and colonial policy towards the country on the part of Europe. The European Union provides practically no assistance to Ukraine.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about abandoned Ukraine. Ukraine is a sovereign country and priority partner for the European Union. In total, since 2014, the EU and European financial institutions have allocated a package of over €15 billion in grants and loans to support the reform process in Ukraine. Within the framework of the association agreement, a free trade zone was created between Ukraine and the EU. In 2019, trade between Ukraine and the EU reached €44.6 billion. Since 2014, more than €205 million has been invested in the transport sector. The EU is also providing €53 million to support the modernisation of secondary education and vocational education. Since 2014, over €40 million has been allocated to support civil society in Ukraine. The U-LEAD with Europe program is supporting the decentralisation reform that enhances the transparency and accountability of local and regional governments and their ability to deliver better services. The total amount is €130 million. The EU continues to support anti-corruption organisations in Ukraine. A total of €30 million has been allocated for the fight against corruption. Ukraine has been allocated an individual assistance package during the COVID-19 pandemic in the amount of over €190 million. The EU, along with its member states, is the largest donor of humanitarian aid for eastern Ukraine. The people most affected by the conflict received €141.8 million in financial assistance. The €50 million EU Support to the East of Ukraine program supports reforms in conflict-affected areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Additional support (€6 million) has also been earmarked for mine clearance and psychological assistance programs. European financial institutions are also targeting conflict-affected areas; the European Investment Bank has allocated a package of €200 million for the early restoration of damaged infrastructure.