European Commission: Ukraine could receive around 30 billion euros from the EU by the end of 2026, subject to reforms

By the end of the current year 2026, Ukraine could receive financial assistance from the European Union in the amount of about 30 billion euros. This was stated at a briefing in Brussels by European Commission spokesperson Balazs Ujvari, emphasizing that these funds are already in the process of preparation. According to him, before discussing support parameters for 2027, the priority is to fulfill current commitments to Kyiv within the framework of the current year.

Condition for payout: continuation of reforms

A key condition for the transfer of these funds, as Ujvari emphasized, is Ukraine's continuation of the relevant reforms. According to him, it is the fulfillment of agreed reform obligations that determines the possibility and timing of the disbursement. Thus, the European side ties further financing to Kyiv's progress in reform, rather than to a unilateral decision to transfer funds.

Structure of assistance: loan and defense component

The EC spokesperson clarified that the major part of the 30 billion euros comes from a loan to support Ukraine, while a portion of the amount lies outside this instrument. Separately, he noted the defense component: as part of defense assistance, the European Commission must receive agreements that form the basis of already agreed supply schedules. This means that the implementation of defense commitments is also tied to the formalization of relevant arrangements.

Context: 231.5 billion euros since 2022

Since 2022, the EU and its member states have provided Ukraine with total support amounting to 231.5 billion euros. Out of this amount, 3.8 billion euros came from funds generated by frozen Russian assets. Just last week, it became known that the European Union allocated another 2.86 billion euros to Ukraine as part of defense assistance. The European Commission emphasized that against the backdrop of intensifying Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, European aid remains crucial for strengthening Ukraine's defense.

Ukraine's needs and Kyiv's assessments

Earlier, at a summit in Brussels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that next year the war will cost Ukraine 155 billion euros, which underscores the scale of the country's financial needs and the importance of ongoing agreements with the European Union. The EC's statement regarding the possible 30 billion euros by the end of 2026 fits into this context and records the current volume of fund preparation by the European side.