On July 17, the European Commission confirmed a positive assessment of the first regular tranche of about 4.2 billion euros within the Ukraine Facility program. This program is aimed at supporting the macro-financial stability of Ukraine and its public administration. The total amount of funding should reach 50 billion euros by 2027.
Ukraine has already received three emergency tranches, which were issued to urgently save the macro-financial stability of the country. Now the European Union is moving to regular tranches, which require the fulfillment of conditions, in particular, reforms.
A new level of control
One of the most important aspects of the Ukraine Facility program is the strengthening of European control over the expenditure of funds. The program was approved in February, and on March 20, an agreement was signed between Ukraine and the EU on Ukraine's participation in the anti-fraud program. This agreement establishes significant powers for European supervisory authorities, which now have access to all levels of financial transactions in Ukraine.
According to the agreement, the European Commission, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) get the right to audit all persons and organizations that receive EU funding. This includes the right of access to objects, documents and electronic data, as well as the ability to conduct administrative investigations and on-site inspections.
EU rights to inspections and audits
The European Court of Auditors (ECA) will be responsible for auditing EU spending, ensuring the legality and effectiveness of spending. However, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) may pose an even more serious threat to would-be embezzlers. OLAF investigates possible criminal offenses and has the right to administrative investigations and inspections on the territory of Ukraine.
According to the agreement, in case of violations, the European Commission can impose fines that are subject to enforcement in Ukraine. OLAF also has the right to refer to the EU Prosecutor's Office for further investigation and prosecution of the guilty parties. Ukrainian state bodies are obliged to cooperate with European institutions, giving them access to all necessary data and documents.
Thus, the new conditions of the Ukraine Facility program introduce a significant level of control by the EU over the use of European funds in Ukraine and reforms.
