Europe: The European Commission has mobilised a significant support of €30 million for war-affected Ukraine. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, had urged the international community to support the country in the purchase of fifty million LED light bulbs for Ukrainian households.
The monetary aid from European Commission can cover for the purchase of nearly thirty million LED bulbs. These bulbs are 88% more efficient than traditional light bulbs and save equivalent to the annual output of one nuclear power plant.
The energy facilities in Ukraine have been consistently targeted by Russian forces, which has left millions of Ukrainian households and citizens struggling with power outages and blackouts in various cities. Therefore, President Zelenskyy has been pushing hard to restore the electric facilities in the country with international support.
Earlier in October 2022, the Commission proposed for a support package of €18 billion for the year 2023, which will be provided in the form of highly concessional loans that would be disbursed in regular instalments as of 2023.
With this aid, the Commission looks to provide Ukraine with stable and regular short-term funding. Ukrainian Government can be assisted with resources to keep up with wages, pensions and maintenance of essential public services such as hospitals, schools and housing for the ones who have been relocated due to the war.
Additionally, the civilian infrastructure that has been damaged due to Russian strikes can be restored. Reconstruction of water systems, transportation facilities, roads and bridges, which require the utmost attention, can be undertaken.
