Sergii Marchenko and the newly appointed Ambassador of France to Ukraine Gael Veyssiere discussed further cooperation

Today, on 26 October, Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko met with the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Ukraine Gael Veyssiere.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister of Finance of Ukraine Olga Zykova.

The Minister of Finance of Ukraine congratulated Gael Veyssiere on his appointment and thanked France for its continued support of Ukraine.

"I am grateful to the Government of France for its comprehensive assistance since the beginning of the full-scale war. I am confident in further deepening of cooperation between our countries, as France has been and remains a reliable partner and friend of Ukraine," said Sergii Marchenko.

Since 24 February 2022, direct budget support from France has reached EUR 400 million.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the state of Ukraine's financial system, the implementation of the EU's Macro-Financial Assistance for 2023, and preparations for the launch of the four-year EU Ukraine Facility programme, which provides up to EUR 50 billion over 2024-2027.

"From the beginning of the full-scale war, one of the priority tasks of the Ukrainian Government has been to ensure all priority State Budget expenditures. Cooperation with international partners in this regard is extremely important. In 2023, international budgetary assistance, which has already been received in the amount of about USD 35.4 billion, is rhythmic, allowing us to provide timely and full coverage of critical expenditures. Next year, the projected deficit is USD 42.9 billion. We count on the support of our partners, in particular the EU countries, in raising the necessary funds in the form of concessional loans and grants," said Sergii Marchenko.

In this context, the parties discussed the state of preparation of the Ukraine Facility. This instrument provides funding for the budgetary needs of Ukraine over the next 4 years. The Minister of Finance of Ukraine expressed expectations that Ukraine and the EU will complete the framework documents and launch the facility by the end of 2023.

On 17 October, the European Parliament supported the proposal to establish the Ukraine Facility.

The parties also expressed solidarity in the need to involve French business in the reconstruction and restoration of our country, including through the expansion of the war risk insurance programme.

Gael Veyssiere stressed that France stands in solidarity with Ukraine and will continue to support the country within the framework of bilateral partnership and cooperation between Ukraine and the EU institutions.