EU Offers Ukraine Long-Term Commitments Amid Ongoing Conflict, Increases Military Aid Budget

The European Union has provided long-term security commitments to Ukraine in a bid to assist it in defending itself, countering destabilization efforts, and preventing future attacks. The agreement includes promises of economic, military, and industrial support, as well as assistance with energy transition and nuclear power safety. Additionally, the parties will share intelligence and satellite images.

The European Union and its member states have pledged to expedite and enhance the delivery of all necessary military aid to Ukraine. The annual budget of the Ukraine aid fund within the European Peace Fund for this year is five billion euros, with the possibility of additional investments until 2027. This additional capitalization will consider the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the advice of the Council of Member States.

Furthermore, the EU has committed to continuing its training support for the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The agreement emphasizes that EU enlargement is seen as a “geostrategic investment” in peace and security, and pledges ongoing support for Ukraine’s membership efforts. Ukraine has agreed to intensify its reform efforts, particularly in strengthening the rule of law.

Upon arriving at the meeting, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi expressed satisfaction that membership negotiations between the EU and Ukraine have finally begun. He also expressed gratitude for recent decisions by G7 countries concerning frozen Russian funds that will be used to repay a loan taken out to support the war in Ukraine. Zelenskyi voiced concerns about potential loosening of sanctions on Russian oligarchs and stressed