Sergii Marchenko discussed with the Minister of Economy and Finance of Italy the Ukraine’s needs for external financing for the next year

Today, the Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko held a working call with the Minister of Economy and Finance of Italy Giancarlo Giorgetti.

The parties discussed the financial needs of the State Budget of Ukraine for the current and next year, the implementation of the 4-year Ukraine Facility program and Italy's participation in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

"Italy is a reliable partner of Ukraine, demonstrating comprehensive support during the full-scale war. Italy's direct budgetary assistance over the year and a half of the full-scale invasion has reached EUR 310 million. We look forward to strengthening cooperation, including for the restoration of Ukraine," said Sergii Marchenko.

The Minister of Finance of Ukraine noted that due to the extensive measures taken by the Government and the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine in particular, as well as the strong support of foreign partners, the country's financial system is now stable. 

"However, despite a certain stabilization of the economic situation, the degree of uncertainty regarding the key macroeconomic forecasts remains high due to security risks. In addition, we are planning military expenditures at the level of 2023 in the State Budget for 2024 and, accordingly, the budget deficit is projected to be no less than this year. Thus, it is vital for us to have assurances from our partners regarding predictable and rhythmic support for the next year," added Sergii Marchenko.

In this context, the parties discussed the cooperation of the Ukrainian side and the EU on the implementation of the Ukraine Facility program for 2024-2027 with a total amount of EUR 50 billion.

The funds under the special financial instrument will be directed to support Ukraine's macro-financial stability, recovery and reconstruction, and modernization of the country. The program will also facilitate integration into the European Union through harmonization with EU rules and standards.

Giancarl Giorgetti noted that Italy remains committed to supporting Ukraine, as well as to the implementation of the Ukraine Facility program to support Ukraine's financial stability.

The parties agreed to continue a close dialogue between the Ministries of Finance of Ukraine and Italy, in particular on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank to be held on October 9-15 in Morocco.