国际英语新闻:EU disburses 260 mln euros to support Ukraine's economy

BRUSSELS, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Wednesday said in a statement it disbursed 260 million euros (323 million U.S. dollars) to Ukraine with an aim to support the country financially.

The EU said the move is one part of the EU Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) for Ukraine, hoping to help the country get out of its current difficult situation by encouraging structural reforms to improve governance, raise sustainable economic growth and legislative harmonization with the EU.

The funding for the disbursement was raised by the European Commission on the financial markets on Nov. 5, when a 660 million euros benchmark bond was issued with 15-years maturity, and with yields at around 1.5 percent.

These funds were also used to finance a European Financial Stabilization Mechanism (EFSM) loan to Portugal.

Following Wednesday's disbursement, a total of 750 million euros remain available under the ongoing EU MFA programs. (1 euro = 1.25 U.S. dollars)