The EU Council has now formally approved the 90 billion euro support loan to Ukraine. The decision means the European Commission can begin disbursements during the second quarter of 2026.
– Disbursements will begin as soon as possible and provide crucial support for Ukraine's most urgent budgetary needs. The EU remains firm in its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, says Cyprus's Finance Minister Makis Keravnos in a press release. Cyprus holds the presidency of the EU Council during 2026.
The loan, agreed in December 2025, is intended to finance Ukraine's urgent budgetary needs and strengthen the country's defence industry during 2026 to 2027. The approval enables the Commission to begin disbursements as soon as possible during the second quarter of 2026.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy comments on the decision on X:
– This package will strengthen our army, make Ukraine more resilient, and enable us to fulfil our social commitments to Ukrainians, in accordance with the law. It is important that Ukraine secures this level of financial predictability after more than four years of full-scale war, he writes.
The press release states that approximately 30 billion euro of the total amount is planned for macroeconomic support, for example to cover the state's ongoing expenditures. The remaining 60 billion euro is intended to strengthen Ukraine's defence capacity, including through investment in and procurement of defence materiel from Ukraine, the EU, and other partner countries.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also comments on the announcement.
– It is important and very pleasing that the EU loan to Ukraine of 90 billion euro, which we agreed in December, and the 20th sanctions package have now finally been brought home after prolonged obstruction from Hungary and Slovakia, he writes on X.
The decision was adopted with the support of all 24 member states present.