Ukraine: New macro-financial assistance instrument shows EU support remains unwavering!
The EU is rising to the challenges caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Today, the European Parliament supported by a large majority the creation of the Macro-financial assistance instrument (MFA+) and the allocation of €18 billion euros in loans to Ukraine for the entirety of 2023. This instrument establishes a framework for structural, predictable and timely financial aid that we provide to Ukraine.
The Russian invasion and the continuous bombing of Ukraine has devastated lives. Much of Ukraine's infrastructure has been destroyed by the Russian army, in an attempt to weaken Ukraine as a dangerous winter approaches. We have recently witnessed how Russia is targeting critical infrastructures in a cruel attempt to deprive Ukrainians of essential resources, such as water, electricity and heating.
Renew Europe has always stood with Ukraine in supporting this financial aid. As it does now with its support for the MFA+ that will help to rebuild these critical infrastructures. And our Group will continue to support Ukraine in every possible way. The far right’s support of Russia is a disgrace. By voting against this macro-financial assistance, the far right continues to show their cowardice and complacency with Putin's regime.
Urmas Paet (Eesti Reformierakond, Estonia), Renew Europe standing shadow rapporteur on Ukraine in the Committee on International trade, declared: "Due to Russia’s ongoing aggression, Ukraine continues to need our support to maintain essential state functions, ensure macroeconomic stability and rehabilitate critical infrastructure destroyed by Russia. In parallel to working on the MFA, the EU must also swiftly prepare a bold plan how to use Russian frozen assets to finance the reconstruction of Ukraine. It is only fair that the aggressor state pays for the destruction and suffering it has created".
Valérie Hayer (L’Europe Ensemble, France), Renew Europe coordinator of the Committee on Budgets, added: "Ukraine needs those 18 billion of euros. Either the EU stands with Ukrainians, or it clears the way to Russia - something we will never let happen, contrary to the far-right. Those MEPs who vote against or abstain on this financial aid are a shame for this Parliament, and for Europe".
