EU transfers €135 million to Ukraine, Moldova, which intended for programs with Russia, Belarus

This is reported on the EC website, according to Ukrinform.

"The European Commission has decided to transfer 135 million euros under the Neighborhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument, previously planned for the Interreg NEXT programs with Russia and Belarus for 2021-2027, to the Interreg programs with Ukraine and Moldova," the statement said.

Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira emphasized that the decision to cancel the previously envisaged cooperation with Russia and Belarus under the Interreg programs is "the result of Russia's brutal war against Ukraine."

It is noted that the funds will be used to support the Solidarity Roads program and the development of cross-border transport links, healthcare services, educational and research projects, social integration schemes, and strengthening the institutional capacity of public authorities.

As reported, after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Commission suspended cooperation with Russia and Belarus under the Interreg program in March 2022.