The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is maintaining its intensions to invest EUR 1.2 billion this year in projects in Ukraine as it did in 2009, EBRD President Thomas Mirow noted.

"We're prepared to invest the same amount this year," Mirow admitted at a Monday press conference in Kyiv.

The bank is ready to put EUR 200-225 million into completing the construction of the Kyiv-Chop highway, among other projects, he added. Finishing up this project generally will take an overall EUR 1 billion, of which the European Investment Bank might contribute EUR 450 million, the EBRD another 450 million, and the government of Ukraine EUR 100 million, he added.

The EBRD is searching at the possibility of putting funds into the modernization of Ukraine's gas-transport system, Mirow mentioned. The amount being discussed is 400-470 million USD, he added.

The public sector will be an investment priority for the EBRD in 2010, Mirow emphasized.

Much will depend on the Ukrainian government, particularly as regards extending project guarantees, he said.

The EBRD is also interested in the financing for construction electric power lines and modernizing hydropower facilities, Mirow said.

The bank also has plans to invest in supporting small and mid-sized business and power-supply projects, he said. For progress in the latter, he said, the fund 5E, which is run by the EBRD, is expected to supply 120 million USD on a grant basis.