Russian Ministry of Finance transferred the first tranche of 5 million euros for implementation of environmental projects of the Arctic Council. This amount is the first payment of Russia’s financial contribution with the total amount of 10 million euros to the Project Support Fund of the Arctic Council, established by the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO). The funds are to be transferred in two tranches of 5 million euros each in 2014 and 2015, respectively, reports RIA Novosti. The Fund will use them to eliminate hotbeds of pollution in the Arctic, as well as to reduce atmospheric emissions of harmful substances, including those directly affecting climate change.