Ukrainian transport companies can receive compensation in the amount of 10-15% of investments in the modernization of machinery and equipment in accordance with the standards of the European Union, the head of the working group on reconstruction of Ukraine of the General Directorate of the European Commission for Enlargement and Eastern Neighborhood, Gabriel Blanc, reported.
As reported by "Interfax-Ukraine", the relevant mechanism is in place for companies that obtain loans from Ukrainian banks and invest in technologies that meet EU standards.
"We have a so-called cashback mechanism: if a company takes a loan from a Ukrainian bank and invests in technologies that meet EU standards, we can offer a refund in in the amount of 10-15% of the amount of investments," said Blanc during the event "Regional dialogues with business on European integration: transport sector" in Lviv.
According to him, currently Ukraine has fully implemented less than 10% of EU transport rules and standards, and partially - less than half. One of the key tasks remains the harmonization of social and market norms in the field of road transport, the strengthening of control over compliance with the rules, and the development of inspection and investigation bodies for rail and water transport.
Among the investments that may be needed by Ukrainian carriers to work according to European standards, Blanc mentioned the installation of second-generation intelligent tachographs, the purchase of Euro 6 standard cars and the fulfillment of requirements regarding the working hours of drivers. According to him, such costs can be significant for small and medium-sized enterprises, especially in wartime conditions.
At the same time, the European Commission considers such modernization as an investment in the future access of Ukrainian business to the EU transport market and its long-term competitiveness.
Support for transport companies can be provided both directly to large Ukrainian enterprises and through banks. Currently, ten of the largest Ukrainian banks use the mechanisms of risk distribution, which makes it possible to reduce credit risks, in particular for small businesses, enterprises in front-line regions and relocated companies.
The total portfolio within the framework of the risk distribution mechanism already exceeds EUR6 billion. The EU plans to further scale up financing programs for Ukrainian companies that invest in bringing their activities in line with European standards.
