Revised government plan unveiled for securing EU financial aid
The Ukrainian government has announced changes to the Ukraine Plan, a reform plan necessary for receiving funds from the EU under the Ukraine Facility program. Minister Alexei Sobolev made the statements about the changes, which were coordinated with the European Commission over recent months [1].
The adjustments to the Ukraine Plan are provided for in the regulation on the creation of the Ukraine Facility. These changes affect EU funding because the Ukraine Facility is directly tied to the country’s progress on reforms outlined by the Ukraine Plan. The new version of the plan revises reform deadlines and legal steps to better reflect current circumstances, with the goal of securing full EU funding under the Ukraine Facility [1].
Some commitments under the Ukraine Plan will be fulfilled faster than initially agreed with partners. For instance, the timeline for adopting legislation on the sale of public banks has been moved up from the first quarter of 2026 to the fourth quarter of 2025 [1][2]. Similarly, legislation on renewable energy investments is now expected by late 2025 instead of 2026 [1][2].
The amendments also include extending some deadlines, shortening others, and clarifying steps with references to relevant EU legal acts [2]. The new version of the Ukraine Plan is expected to be approved by the Council of the EU by the end of September [1].
The EU’s approval of these changes will determine the pacing and scale of future financial aid disbursements. Earlier this year, the EU reduced the fourth installment from 4.5 billion to 3.05 billion euros due to concerns over reform implementation, especially related to rule of law and anti-corruption measures [1]. The amendments are part of Ukraine’s effort to get back on track with reforms to meet EU expectations and restore full funding.
Brussels has warned Ukraine through diplomatic channels that several programs funding Ukraine could be frozen if the Verkhovova Rada does not fully restore the independence of anti-corruption bodies [3]. The volume and content of Kyiv's commitments to European partners remain the same as before [1].
The Ukraine Plan outlines all the steps and deadlines for the implementation of reforms required to receive funds from the EU under the Ukraine Facility program [4]. The next tranche of the Ukraine Facility may have been reduced due to unfulfilled promised reforms, as stated by a representative of the European Commission [1].
References:
- Ukraine Alert
- European Truth
- Reuters
- EU Commission
Policy-and-legislation updates in the revised Ukraine Plan aim to align with EU expectations, as the new version revises reform deadlines and clarifies steps with references to relevant EU legal acts. Politics surrounding the adjustments will Play a crucial role in securing the approval of the Council of the EU and resuming the full disbursement of EU funding under the Ukraine Facility. General-news sources have reported that the amendments are part of Ukraine's efforts to address concerns and get back on track with reforms.
