The European Commission has taken key steps to implement a €90 billion support loan to Ukraine, designed to provide critical budgetary assistance and accelerate urgent
defence procurement over 2026 and 2027. The initiative includes proposals for the EU Council to approve the overall financial support for Ukraine in 2026 and a decision enabling procurement flexibility for the first defence product schedule, focusing initially on drones.
“We will deliver on the €90 billion loan to Ukraine,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “Today, we are taking the necessary preparatory steps to mobilize this year's budget and procure defence equipment, particularly in Ukraine's cutting-edge drone industry. As we mark four years since the Bucha massacre, the Commission stands fully behind the brave people of Ukraine and their fight for freedom.”
€45 billion in support planned for 2026
Following a positive assessment of Ukraine’s Financing Strategy submitted on March 24, 2026, the Commission proposes to provide €45 billion to Ukraine by December 31, 2026. The remaining €45 billion of the €90 billion loan is planned for 2027. The financial package complements contributions from international partners and addresses Ukraine’s external financing gap and urgent defence needs.
Of the 2026 allocation, €28.3 billion is earmarked for defence procurement, while up to €16.7 billion will provide budgetary support, split between the Ukraine Facility and Macro-Financial Assistance. This support will be conditioned on adherence to the rule of law, anti-corruption measures, economic resilience, and sustainability. The first tranche will be delivered via Macro-Financial Assistance.
Drone procurement gets green light
To respond to Ukraine’s urgent defence requirements, the Commission has approved the use of procurement derogations for drones, allowing rapid acquisition of critical equipment in needed quantities. Future procurement schedules will include other defence products, such as missiles and ammunition.
Next steps for EU support
The Commission’s proposal now moves to the Council for adoption. Member States will decide on the allocation of funds under the Ukraine Support Loan for 2026, including contributions via the Ukraine Facility, Macro-Financial Assistance, and defence procurement.
Once the Council authorizes the Commission to borrow on financial markets, remaining legal and operational steps for first disbursements and procurement will be finalized in coordination with Ukraine and Member States. All support will continue to include strong safeguards, including anti-corruption measures and protection of EU financial interests.
EU support in context
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU and its Member States have provided €195 billion in overall support, including €3.7 billion from frozen Russian assets, making the EU Ukraine’s largest international donor. The Ukraine Support Loan will cover roughly two-thirds of Ukraine’s financing needs for 2026–2027, according to the International Monetary Fund. Continued international coordination remains crucial, including timely G7 commitments and initiatives such as the G7-led ERA loans program. Photo by DiscoverWithDima, Wikimedia commons.