Brussels announces 500 million in aid for internally displaced persons in Ukraine

Latest news on the war between Russia and Ukraine

The European Commission announced Monday an agreement with Ukraine to allocate 500 million euros in a budget support program that will serve to ensure aid to internally displaced persons and citizens returning to the country, in the midst of war.

With these funds, pledged by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at donor conferences, the EU will help ensure a home and education for internally displaced persons, help people returning to the country and support the Ukrainian agricultural sector.

This announcement comes ahead of the EU-Ukraine Association Council in Brussels on Monday, which will serve to review relations with Kiev, in the midst of war and after receiving candidate country status in June. The meeting includes meetings of the Ukrainian Prime Minister, Denis Shmyhal, with the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, and the Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, and a subsequent dinner with Von der Leyen.

Apart from that, Brussels has sealed various agreements with Ukraine on digital and customs matters. From now on, Kiev will participate in the European digital program, having access to funds and programs in artificial intelligence or digital technologies.

It will also contribute to the customs and taxation program, which is a boost to cooperation with the bloc in both areas and will allow Ukraine to participate in the common secure customs network, necessary for it to implement the New Computerized Transit System (NCTS).