Ukraine and the European Union (EU) have signed agreements to finance four border cooperation programs in the amount of EUR 365 million.

"On December 19, 2016, a signing ceremony was held in Brussels. The Ukrainian government and the European Commission signed agreements on financing joint operation border cooperation programs for 2014-2020: "Ukraine-Romania," "Ukraine-Hungary-Slovakia-Romania," "Ukraine-Poland-Belarus" and "Black Sea Basin" under the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) tool," the press service of the Economic Development and Trade Ministry has reported.

First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Economic Development and Trade Minister Stepan Kybiv and Director for Neighbourhood East in the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) Lawrence Meredith signed the agreements.

The total budget provided by the EU to finance four programs would be over EUR 365 million.

The implementation of the programs would help to realize joint projects with program member countries in the following spheres: improvement of infrastructure of border districts, solving of general problems in the security and order area, support of border management and border safety, migration management, environment protection over climate changes and disasters and use of alternative energy.

The programs envisage support of business, development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), support of education, research, innovations, development of local culture and historic heritage preservation.

The implementation of the border cooperation programs would help to carry out effective and mutually beneficial cooperation of the Ukrainian border districts and partner countries via the realization of joint projects, exchange of experience and best practices with the partner countries in various spheres, attract additional resources for sustainable development and increase competitiveness of Ukrainian border districts.