Ukraine: EU evaluates alternatives to release 8 billion aid

(ANSA) - BRUSSELS, AUGUST 05 - The EU Commission is working on "various options" to unlock the remaining 8 billion of the package of macro-financial assistance to Ukraine agreed by EU leaders.

This was indicated by the spokesman of the EU executive Eric Mamer.

    So far Kiev has received the first one billion euro tranche.

The other 8 billion are stalled by Germany's opposition to the required guarantee system.

"We need to find sufficient guarantees outside the EU budget, with a coverage of 70%" and "this requires an agreement with the countries. We are working on it, it is not an easy package to conclude", explained the spokesman.

   (HANDLE).