The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine intends to agree with the European Commission on getting EUR55 million aid to support regional policy in 2016-2018.

"The government of Ukraine and the European Commission will sign an additional agreement, which will allow to obtain EUR55 million to support the regional policy of Ukraine for 2016-2018," the press service of the Ministry of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utilities Services said.

The Cabinet on June 6 approved a relevant draft agreement and authorized Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utilities Services Hennadiy Zubko to sign it.

It is expected that after the signing of the agreement Ukraine in 2016 will receive the first tranche in the amount of EUR25 million, in 2017 the second tranche of EUR12.5 million, in 2018 some EUR12.5 million and EUR5 million of additional aid to support reforms in the field of regional development and decentralization.

The funds will also be used for the implementation of regional development projects within five programs (innovative economy and investment, rural development, human resource development, tourism development, Ukrainian solidarity development).