Additional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine
1.8.2022
Question for written answer E-002766/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Marc Botenga (The Left)
In 2022, the EU significantly increased its support for Ukraine. In May 2022, the Commission proposed granting Ukraine additional macro-financial assistance (MFA) in the form of loans totalling up to EUR 9 billion. MFA programmes are linked to a broad reform agenda, and a track-record of implementing IMF programme reforms. Ukraine embarked on an IMF-backed reform programme in 2014, including wide-ranging reforms in the energy, pension and healthcare sectors. Six consecutive MFA programmes previously offered Ukraine loans for EUR 6.2 billion to implement those reforms. The war notwithstanding, Ukraine also continued its labour-regulation reform. On 19 July 2022, the Ukrainian Parliament adopted Draft Law 5371 amending certain legislative acts to simplify the regulation of labour relations for small and medium-sized businesses, with the stated aim of legalising the activity of freelancers engaged in irregular work.
- 1.How does the Commission assess this reform in view of the reform agenda supported by MFA programmes?
- 2.Does the Commission consider this reform to be in line with the MFA requirement to improve the business climate, further private sector development and economic competitiveness?
- 3.What other regulatory reforms regarding the SME sector and/or the labour market is the MFA supporting or considering supporting in Ukraine?