EU increases support for Ukraine

Brussels, 22 November 2022 (TDI): European Union (EU) announced a further €35 million contribution for the Resilience Building and Recovery (RBR) Program for Ukraine of the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

The Program’s goal is to assist Ukraine in preventing a full-scale invasion by Russia. This will lead to early recovery and reconstruction efforts to achieve of Sustainable Development Goals.

The new contribution, according to Ambassador Matti Maasikas, Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, aligns with the main outcomes of the EU Emergency Support Programme for Ukraine.

In addition, it supports the effective implementation of several reforms necessary for EU membership, such as strengthening the rule of law and supporting structural economic reforms.

Moreover, the EU gave Ukraine candidate status in June, he claimed. This increased contribution will assist Ukraine in better meeting the needs of its population, which is suffering as a result of Russian aggression.

Jaco Cilliers, the interim UNDP Resident Representative, stated that UNDP is pleased with the relationship with the EU. Through several programs over the past ten years, “we have closely cooperated with the EU in Ukraine,” he claimed.

Additionally, he also said that EU strategic support has proved crucial. It is ensuring that the Ukrainian government stays strong and capable of playing a leading role in all humanitarian and crisis response activities, according to the statement.

In this regard, high-quality public services like healthcare facilities, enhancing community security, and public safety are part of the contribution.

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This is aimed at enhancing communities’ resilience and promoting early recovery in several targeted areas of Ukraine.

The project will utilize digital technology and solutions to address the highlighted development concerns by the UNDP Digital Strategy 2022–2025.

Women and men veterans will be one of the main target groups for assistance under the expanded program. The money will also be utilized to improve community policing and Ukrainian National Police’s ability to counter gender-based violence.