The European Commission has disbursed a first tranche of €3.2 billion in Ukraine aid, marking the start of a broader EU support package worth €90 billion covering 2026–2027.
The announcement was made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, Poland.
She described the payment as “solidarity in action”, stressing that rebuilding Ukraine requires significant investment today.
Breakdown of financial assistance
According to the Commission, the €3.2 billion payment is part of macro-financial assistance totalling €8.35 billion planned for 2026.
A further €3.7 billion is expected in September, followed by €1.45 billion before the end of the year, subject to policy conditions.
Ukraine met seven required reform benchmarks, including measures to strengthen domestic tax collection and the taxation of digital platform income.
In addition, von der Leyen confirmed that a separate €6 billion tranche linked to defence support is expected to be released in the coming days, intended in part for drone procurement.
Political agreement after months of negotiations
The disbursement follows six months of political negotiations within the EU over the structure of the Ukraine aid package.
EU leaders previously agreed on the support plan in December after abandoning proposals to use frozen Russian assets, opting instead for joint borrowing arrangements.
Hungary, Slovakia and Czechia secured exemptions from parts of the scheme.
EU unity highlighted by officials
European Council President António Costa said the EU has supported Ukraine from the outset and remains its largest donor, with total assistance exceeding €200 billion since 2022.
He said the latest Ukraine aid payment demonstrates consistent and sustained support aimed at achieving a “just and lasting peace”.
Costa also noted that the EU has adopted 20 sanctions packages against Russia and is preparing further measures, including annual renewal of sanctions.
He reiterated that only Ukraine can represent its people in any peace negotiations and stressed that any agreement must respect international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
EU accession path reaffirmed
Costa also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Ukraine’s future membership, stating that “Ukraine’s future is in the European Union”.
He added that accession negotiations were formally opened last week, marking a new phase in the country’s EU integration process.
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