Ukraine Parliament Passes Critical Funding For Euro 2012

Ukraine's parliament has authorized more than $1 billion of funding needed for the Euro 2012 soccer championship.

The Verkhovna Rada also made it legal for the central government to draw money directly from National Bank of Ukraine reserves if it is otherwise unable to finance the work.

Since October, Ukraine's government has been grappling with problems created by the global financial crisis.

Repairs to roads and airports specified by UEFA -- the governing body of European soccer -- have been stalled due to lack of funds.

with agency reports