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BRUSSELS (ANP) – That must be bought mainly in Europe. Only if the required material is not for sale in Europe or cannot be delivered on time, can it be purchased outside Europe.
30 billion euros of the loan is intended as budget support. It must help Ukraine with reforms needed for accession to the EU and modernization of the country, said Von der Leyen at a press conference. “This includes Ukraine’s commitment to strong democratic processes, the rule of law and anti-corruption measures.” These conditions are non-negotiable, she emphasized.
“With this support we are ensuring that Ukraine can strengthen its defense on the battlefield and improve its defense capabilities,” said Von der Leyen. According to her, the loan meets all of Ukraine’s military needs and allows basic services to keep running.
The Netherlands is one of the countries that wanted Ukraine to also be able to buy defense equipment outside Europe, if there is no other option. France, among others, was strongly opposed to this. The Commission’s proposal is a typical EU compromise.
The member states and the European Parliament still have to approve the spending proposal. At the end of December the heads of government agreed to the loan to Ukraine. The conditions have now been worked out.
The Commission’s initial proposal to use the frozen Russian assets as collateral for a loan to Ukraine remains on the table, Von der Leyen emphasized. With this, the EU is giving “a clear warning that we reserve the right to use the frozen Russian assets,” she said.
The European Commission borrows the 90 billion euros on the capital market and then channels it on to Ukraine. The room in the EU budget serves as a guarantee. Ukraine does not have to repay the loan until Russia pays for the damage it has caused in Ukraine.
Von der Leyen hopes for swift approval by the member states and the European Parliament, so that Ukraine can use the first part of the loan in April.
(14 January 2026)