Ukraine could receive €17 billion in budget support
European Council President António Costa said the European Union could disburse a further €17 billion to Ukraine before the end of the year, provided Kyiv…
Ukraine could receive ??17 budget support worth a further EUR 17 billion before the end of the year, but the funding depends on Kyiv delivering required reforms. European Council President António Costa made the announcement in an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, reviewing the outcomes of the recent European Council meeting.
The funding would add to European support already disbursed under a loan for defence. The budget assistance matters as Ukraine continues to rely on external aid, with Costa saying Europe and its member states account for 80% of that assistance.
“We have disbursed almost EUR 16 billion under the defence leg of the loan. Second, we continue to support Ukraine's budget. A further EUR 17 billion can still be disbursed before the end of the year. Provided Ukraine delivers the necessary reforms,” Costa said, according to Ukrinform.
The condition makes the reforms central to whether Kyiv receives the additional budget funds this year. Costa did not detail the measures Ukraine must take in the statement cited by Ukrinform.
He also said Europe would ensure Ukraine’s financial needs for 2027 were met. The announcement gives a forward commitment beyond the potential disbursement this year, while leaving the immediate tranche tied to reform delivery.
Ukrinform reported that Costa addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg and reviewed the outcomes of the recent European Council meeting. His remarks covered budget support, defence funding and the EU’s approach to Russia and Ukraine’s security.
The scale of European assistance also gives the policy direct significance for Ukraine’s public finances. Costa said Europe and its member states currently provide 80% of external assistance to the country, and called on other international partners to increase their efforts. He did not identify those partners or specify further amounts.
Ukraine receive ??17 budget tied to reforms
Costa linked continued financial support to broader security concerns. He said the EU’s pursuit of peace must go hand in hand with sustained pressure on Russia, and described Russia’s actions as an unacceptable escalation.
“Any genuine efforts to achieve peace are important. However, Russia’s actions point to an unacceptable escalation,” Costa said, urging Moscow to put an end to “this dangerous escalation.”
He cited hybrid warfare, acts of sabotage and incursions into European airspace and territorial waters as reasons Europe must treat Ukraine’s security as closely connected to its own. Costa said the EU would implement its defence strategy and strengthen its ability to protect citizens and critical infrastructure.
“Our goal remains unchanged: a just and lasting peace on terms that respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and security,” Costa said. He added that the European Council also sought to support Ukraine’s path toward EU membership.
The European Commission has reaffirmed the EU’s position that sanctions against Russia cannot be lifted until Moscow ends its war of aggression against Ukraine, Ukrinform reported.
The next condition for the additional budget support is Ukraine’s delivery of the necessary reforms, Costa said.
Source: ukrinform.net
