In the run-up to the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference, which will take place in Gdansk on June 25, the structure of European Union financial assistance has undergone significant changes. According to sources in Brussels, funds initially earmarked for defense needs have been excluded from the first tranche of the massive 90 billion euro credit program.

It was previously planned that the initial aid package would include 5.9 billion euros designated for financing the production and procurement of unmanned aerial vehicles. However, these funds are now being redistributed. Instead of a military component, the first tranche will contain 3.2 billion euros in budgetary support to stabilize Ukraine's economy.

Technical Challenges and Expenditure Control

The reason for the adjustment was technical issues related to the mechanism for controlling the use of funds. As reported by Euractiv sources, the European Commission and the European External Action Service were unable to quickly establish a system that would guarantee the targeted spending of money on drone procurement, including components produced outside the EU and Ukraine. The implementation of this mechanism had to be postponed.

It is important to note that this change does not mean a refusal to finance Kyiv's defense needs. According to the publication's sources, the issue is not closed, only postponed. It is expected that within the coming days, the European Commission will announce a second tranche, which will be directed directly to military needs.

Structure of Massive Aid

The total loan amount is 90 billion euros and is designed to support Ukraine in 2026–2027. The distribution of funds is as follows:

  • 30 billion euros — macro-financial support for the state.
  • 60 billion euros — strengthening defense capabilities.

To receive funding, Ukraine submits a detailed assessment of its needs to the European Commission. Priority is given to the procurement of weapons of European production, however, under certain conditions, the acquisition of equipment manufactured in third countries is permitted. Currently, separate financing packages are being prepared for the procurement of ammunition, air defense systems, and drones.

Norwegian Vector of Support

Parallel to the changes in EU plans, other countries continue to increase military aid. Norway has announced the allocation of 1.2 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately $126 million) under the Nansen program. These funds will be directed towards the production and procurement of maritime drones.

The financing covers both the development of new unmanned systems and the purchase of ready-made solutions from manufacturers in Norway and Ukraine, highlighting the growing role of unmanned technologies in the modern strategy of supporting Kyiv.