BRUSSELS, July 27 - The European Union is close to handing Ukraine a loan package to reform the country's run-down gas sector, UPI reported Monday, citing a statement from the European Commission.

Ukraine and the potential lenders are "close to agreement regarding the necessary short- and medium-term commitments by the Ukrainian authorities on reform of the Ukrainian gas sector which would make it possible for (international lenders) to prepare a package of support for Ukraine," the EC said in the statement.