EU Launches New Support for Small Businesses in Ukraine
The EU has announced a new €1.6 billion initiative to aid small businesses impacted by the Ukraine conflict. This call is part of the Ukraine Facility, focusing on financial support for enterprises and recovery efforts, including mine clearance. The initiative promotes economic cohesion in Ukraine.
Commissioner Marta Kos emphasized the importance of supporting small enterprises as a community backbone, providing them with €1.6 billion to help rebuild.
Financial institutions are encouraged to support businesses in war-affected areas, with a focus on veterans, displaced persons, and small farmers. The initiative aims for at least 15% allocation to small businesses.
The Ukraine Investment Framework, part of a €50 billion package, targets recovery with €9.3 billion in financial instruments. A previous call aimed to boost Ukraines rebuilding.
(For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65)
Support for Renewable Hydrogen Production Approved
The EU approved state aid schemes for Austria (€400 million) and Lithuania (€36 million) to promote renewable hydrogen production, aligning with the Clean Industrial Deal and the REPowerEU Plan. Aid will be given per kilogram of hydrogen produced.
Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera highlighted the schemes role in advancing renewable hydrogen development.
(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 229 56298; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 229 94774)
Acquisition of Skyline Approved
The EU approved the joint control of Skyline by PSPIB and DigitalBridge, focusing on data centre development in the Asia Pacific region.
More information is available on the Commissions competition website.
(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EU Remembrance Day for Terrorism Victims in Strasbourg
The EU commemorates victims of terrorism with a ceremony in Strasbourg, attended by European leaders, highlighting the fight against terrorism.
(For more information: Markus Lammert — Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Elettra Di Massa - Tel.: +32 2 298 21 61)
Eurogroup and ECOFIN Meetings in Brussels
EU finance ministers meet in Brussels to discuss economic outlooks and fiscal policy coordination.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Francisca Marçal Santos - Tel.: +32 2 299 72 36)
Commissioner Lahbib at UN for Womens Rights Commission
Commissioner Lahbib attends UNs Womens Rights Commission in New York, focusing on gender equality.
(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)
Young Europeans Engage in Democracy Dialogue
Youth from across Europe discuss democracy and urban future with EU leaders.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic — Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)