EU approves third €3.5 billion tranche for Kyiv under Ukraine Facility Programme

Ukraine is set to receive 3.5 billion euros following the Council of the European Union’s approval of the third tranche of non-repayable grants and loans under the Ukraine Facility programme, the Council announced on Monday.

With this latest disbursement, Ukraine will have received nearly 20 billion euros under the Ukraine Facility since its launch in early 2024.

“The Council concluded today that Ukraine had satisfied the necessary conditions laid down in the Ukraine Plan in order to receive a third disbursement from the Ukraine Facility”, the statement read.

The Ukraine Plan sets out Kyiv’s roadmap for recovery, reconstruction, and modernisation, alongside key reforms as part of its EU accession process over the next four years.

Reforms

To secure this funding, Ukraine has implemented 13 key reforms, including measures to boost renewable energy, enhance the independence of its energy regulator, adopt a strategy for agriculture and rural development, and streamline border-crossing procedures in accordance with EU standards.

The EU approved the four-year Ukraine Facility in February 2024, allocating both loans and grants to support Ukraine’s economy and reconstruction efforts.

Military aid

Meanwhile, European foreign ministers convene in Brussels to discuss additional military assistance for Ukraine. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas has put forward a plan for member states to pledge between 20 billion and 40 billion euros in further support this year, but an agreement among ministers has yet to be reached.

European leaders are also bracing for an upcoming meeting between US president Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin on Tuesday regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine. Kyiv has agreed to the talks, but according to Kallas, Russia’s demands indicate that Moscow is “not truly seeking peace.”

^{© JOHN THYS / AFP}