Spain allocates a new aid package for Ukraine in the amount of 55 million euros. Madrid promises long-term support to Ukraine.
This was announced by the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, reports El Mundo.
The head of the Spanish government spoke today in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. He noted that Spain, as the chair of the EU, will support the Ukrainian people.
"Today, July 1, Spain assumes the great responsibility of presiding over the Council of the European Union for the next six months," he said.
Sanchez emphasized that Ukraine can count on long-term support from Spain. He announced the allocation of a new aid package worth 55 million euros. Of them, 51 million will come through the World Bank to support small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine. The rest will be used to restore schools.
"I wanted to tell you that we are with you and we will be as long as it takes. I wanted to tell you that we will support Ukraine, regardless of the price," the prime minister said.
Support on the way to NATO and the EU
Sanchez also paid attention to Ukraine's membership in NATO. He supported the creation of the Ukraine-NATO Council.
"We are approaching the NATO summit in Vilnius, which will continue the commitments we made last year in Madrid. Spain supports the promotion of Ukraine's political participation through the creation of the Ukraine-NATO Council, where you are already invited as a full member," he said.
The Spanish Prime Minister also emphasized that the EU continues to support Ukraine, which defends European values in the war with the Russian Federation.
"The European Union was created to prevent new wars. We decided to unite, to be "united in diversity", and this made us stronger. Europe is with you, and you are united with Europe," the prime minister added.
Sanchez came to Kyiv
We will remind you that today, July 1, Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez arrived in Kyiv on a working visit. He will meet with Volodymyr Zelenskyi.
It is also worth noting that Spain is starting to preside over the Council of the EU, so the purpose of Sanchez's visit is to confirm the support of Ukraine from Spain and the European Union.
