European Commission Releases First €3.2 Billion Under €90 Billion Ukraine Loan

The European Union has announced a fresh €3.2 billion payment to Ukraine as part of a new €90 billion support package aimed at helping the war-torn country stay afloat and strengthen its defences.

Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the funding is the first instalment of a macro-financial assistance programme that will deliver up to €90 billion to Ukraine across 2026 and 2027. The package is designed to support the country’s budget, maintain essential public services and bolster its military capabilities as Russia’s full-scale invasion continues.

“The prosperous Ukraine of tomorrow requires massive investment today,” von der Leyen said. “Since the beginning of Russia’s large-scale invasion, the European Union and its member states have provided more than €200 billion in economic, financial and military support.”

She also revealed that the first payment from a separate €6 billion defence package will be released in the coming days to help Ukraine procure drones.

The €3.2 billion payment is the first of three instalments scheduled for this year under the EU’s macro-financial assistance programme, which totals €8.35 billion in 2026. Future payments will depend on Ukraine continuing to meet a series of agreed reforms, including improving tax collection, strengthening customs administration and enhancing public financial management.

The broader Ukraine Support Loan, adopted earlier this year, will provide up to €90 billion in funding over two years. Around €28.3 billion has been earmarked to boost Ukraine’s defence industry in 2026 alone, while the rest will help keep the country’s economy functioning and support long-term recovery and reconstruction.

According to the European Commission, the EU and its member states have now committed more than €211 billion in economic, financial and military support to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

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Credit: Frederick Florin

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Riana Xerri

Riana is an American-Gozitan content creator and nurse. When she's not working, she's jetting off to see her favourite artists live in concert, capturing the magic of each experience.

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