President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
The President of the European Commission congratulated Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the first anniversary of his inauguration and noted Ukraine's progress in implementing reforms.
The main topic of conversation was the coordination of efforts aimed at overcoming the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic in Ukraine and the European Union, as well as the coordination of steps to gradually exit quarantine.
"Due to timely measures, we managed to prevent the worst-case scenario of the epidemic. We are closely following the EU's pandemic measures. Thank you personally for the 190 million euro support package for Ukraine announced by the European Commission to overcome the consequences of coronavirus. The money will be used to support the healthcare system and the economy, help vulnerable groups, SMEs, support civil society, judicial reform, and implement the European Green Deal,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
In particular, the parties discussed the enhancement of cooperation in the medical field, the provision of "green corridors" for the unimpeded circulation of goods across Europe, the possible resumption of air traffic, the involvement of Ukraine as an observer in the EU Health Committee. The interlocutors also agreed that the crisis caused by coronavirus should not impede the free movement of goods and restrict bilateral trade.
The President thanked Ursula von der Leyen for the European Commission's decision to launch another program of macro-financial assistance to Ukraine in the amount of 1.2 billion euros.
"We need bilateral assistance from the European Union to stabilize the economy and public finances. We are ready for constructive cooperation in order to quickly launch and implement this macro-financial assistance program," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President of Ukraine informed that the law on banking activities would be signed in the near future, paving the way to a new IMF program. It was agreed that in the coming weeks Ukraine will receive the second tranche of the previous, Fourth Macro-Financial Assistance Program in the amount of 500 million euros.
The interlocutors paid special attention to the security situation in eastern Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked for the constant support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state.
The leaders of Ukraine and the European Commission noted the active political dialogue between Ukraine and the EU, which is continued despite the current crisis. The parties also agreed on further contacts.