International

IMF approves new $1.1 billion installment for Ukraine

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a new $1.1 billion tranche for Ukraine under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF). IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated that "Russia's war in Ukraine continues to have a devastating social and economic impact on the country. Despite the ongoing invasion, macroeconomic stability is being upheld through effective policymaking by the Ukrainian authorities, as well as significant external support."

The IMF statement highlighted that Ukraine’s economy remains resilient, with strong performance under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) despite challenging conditions. As of the end of September, the Ukrainian authorities have successfully met all quantitative performance criteria and structural benchmarks.

Additionally, the IMF emphasized the need for sustained reform momentum and progress in mobilizing domestic revenue in Ukraine. It also underscored the importance of timely allocation of external support to maintain macroeconomic stability, restore fiscal and debt sustainability, and improve governance, as reported by Ukrinform.

With the recent tranche, the total payments under the EFF program for Ukraine have reached $9.8 billion.

We remind you that the IMF approved a 48-month EFF arrangement for Ukraine in March 2023, allowing for general access to loans amounting to $15.5 billion. This program is part of a larger support package totaling $151.4 billion for Ukraine.

The agreement between the IMF and Ukraine is designed to strengthen policies that support fiscal, external, and macro-financial stability during a time of exceptionally high uncertainty.

Moreover, the EFF aims to facilitate economic recovery, improve governance, and strengthen institutions to promote long-term growth as Ukraine progresses on its path toward European Union membership.

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Correspondence from Bucharest // Romanian MPs and senators take oath of allegiance on Saturday
International

Correspondence from Bucharest // Romanian MPs and senators take oath of allegiance on Saturday

The new Romanian deputies took the oath today after they had their first meeting yesterday. The 446 senators and MPs will form the new Legislative, which will vote on the country's new government in the coming days. The pro-European parties are still negotiating to form the Executive, which is still led by the current Prime Minister, Social Democrat Marcel Ciolacu.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs was not notified of the presence of Moldovan citizens among the victims of the Magdeburg attack
Social

Ministry of Foreign Affairs was not notified of the presence of Moldovan citizens among the victims of the Magdeburg attack

No Moldovan citizen is currently among the victims of the car attack that occurred on Friday evening at the Christmas Market in the German city of Magdeburg, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Chisinau. The ministry reports that the Moldovan embassy in Berlin is in constant communication with German authorities. As of now, the incident has resulted in at least four deaths and approximately 200 injuries. The identities of all the victims have not yet been disclosed, and authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event.

Tragedy in the German city of Magdeburg // Two people died, over 60 injured. Maia Sandu: We firmly condemn violence in all forms
Social

Tragedy in the German city of Magdeburg // Two people died, over 60 injured. Maia Sandu: We firmly condemn violence in all forms

Two people, including a child, died and at least 60 others were injured after a man drove his car into a crowd at the Christmas Market in the German city of Magdeburg, located in the center of the country. The official toll is not final, with German media reporting that several people lost their lives. The man who drove his car into the crowd was detained and was questioned overnight. He is a Saudi Arabian doctor. The motive for the attack is still unclear, but authorities say it was a suspicious attack.