The European Commission has approved the issue of a further EUR1.8 billion in macro-financial assistance to increase its support of Ukraine, EC Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis has said at a press conference in Brussels, after a meeting of the EU Council for Economic and Financial Affairs (Ecofin Council).

"The Commission will act responsibly in relation to Ukraine and to the EU budget. The EU member states are ready to continue to assist and support reforms in Ukraine under the condition that reforms are implemented," he said.

The official noted that last year the EU issued EUR1.36 billion of macro-financial assistance to Ukraine, as well as EUR250 million in grants to support the budget.