EU aims to release over 20 billion euros to Ukraine by year's end

The European Commission has outlined a plan to transfer the remaining funds for this year under the 90 billion euro loan package to Ukraine before the end of 2026. The total amount expected to be released in the coming months exceeds 20 billion euros. Access to this financial support is directly linked to Ukraine's ability to execute the necessary reforms as outlined in the agreement.

Balázs Ujvári, a spokesperson for the European Commission, provided these details in response to an inquiry from a journalist at Ukrainska Pravda. He noted that the Commission is committed to maintaining the momentum of the financial assistance while ensuring that the conditions for disbursement are met.

The urgency of these transfers follows a significant payment made earlier this month. On November 5, the Commission transferred 4.36 billion euros to Ukraine to support its budget and defense capabilities. With this installment completed, approximately 20 billion euros remain available for disbursement under the current annual target.

Ujvári emphasized that the primary goal is to reach a cumulative total of 45 billion euros under the loan scheme by the end of the year. He stated that continuing with the reform agenda is essential to unlock this remaining funding. The Commission views the reform process not just as a condition for payment, but as a core objective of the support package.

When asked if the Commission was confident in its ability to disburse the full 20 billion euros by the deadline, the spokesperson did not offer a definitive guarantee. Instead, he highlighted the institution's determination to meet the 45 billion euro target. He acknowledged that a significant portion of the outcome depends on the pace and quality of the reforms implemented by Kyiv.

The spokesperson offered a positive assessment of the current reform trajectory. He described the dynamics as favorable, noting that there is good progress in the reform agenda. Ujvári stressed that it is crucial for Ukraine to maintain this pace and continue the momentum to ensure the financial support flows smoothly.

In addition to the current disbursements, Ujvári mentioned that the Commission adopted a financial strategy for supporting Ukraine in 2027 during the previous week. This new strategy is currently under consideration by the Council of the EU. The plan outlines the framework for future assistance beyond the current year.

According to the 2027 strategy, the Commission anticipates allocating between 30 and 32 billion euros for defense purposes. The remaining funds will be directed toward general budget support. This allocation reflects the ongoing need to balance immediate military requirements with broader economic stability.

This latest development builds on a series of recent financial actions. On October 2, Ukraine received 2.9 billion euros from the EU under the Ukraine Facility program. In parallel, the EU has proposed the disbursement of an additional 8.04 billion euros under the same facility, further underscoring the scale of European financial commitment to Ukraine in the current period.