On July 2nd, the European Commission has decided to grant an additional €85 million to the Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF) for 2010. This will allow neighbouring partner countries to leverage increased funding for major investment projects in key areas such as energy, transport and environment, as well as in the social sector (for projects such as construction of schools and hospitals). Private sector development will also be encouraged, targeting especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Далі

Belgium took over the rotating six-month EU Presidency on July 1st, and will pass it to Hungary on January 1st 2011. Далі

This is the result of an experts opinion poll carried out by “Aksia” Political Values Research Center after the OU-PSD faction had proposed I.Pliushch for the post of Verkhovna Rada Speaker on Monday. Далі

Ukraine`s real economy has continued to perform well with a real rate of GDP growth of 6.9% yoy in January-September 2008. However, Ukraine`s near term outlook has worsened substantially, although medium-term prospects remain good.

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Russian energy giant Gazprom said Sunday that Ukraine had paid only part of its huge gas debt and threatened Kyiv with a more than double price hike unless all arrears were cleared this year, AFP reported. Далі

On November 20 the formal establishment of the first ever Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce took place at Telenor‘s headquarters in Norway. The chamber will have as its main ambition to promote increased trade and business relations between Ukraine and Norway. Далі

A second referendum on a modified Lisbon treaty is the main option for Ireland, according to a report submitted by an cross-party group of deputies in the country’s parliament on Thursday (27 November). Далі

Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers has signed an agreement with the World Bank about raising UAH 3 billion for 30 years at an annual interest rate of 5% to cover the budget deficit. Далі

Russian gas export monopoly Gazprom said on Tuesday Ukraine has agreed to repay by Dec. 1 its gas debt to Russia for all September and some October deliveries, Reuters reported. Далі

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko has issued instructions for the drafting of a project to prospect for gas off the country`s Black Sea coast, RIA Novosti reported. Далі