EU disburses over €4 billion to Ukraine ahead of Independence Day

Ahead of Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day on August 24, the European Union disbursed €4.05 billion to the country, including €3.05 billion through the Ukraine Facility and €1 billion via the European Commission’s exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA).

The European Commission announced the step on its official website, as per Caliber.Az.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said:

"As Ukraine celebrates its 34th Independence Day, the EU sends a clear message: our solidarity with Ukraine is unwavering. Today's disbursement of over €4 billion demonstrates our staunch commitment. This new funding underlines our commitment not only to Ukraine's recovery, but to its future as a sovereign and democratic country. Because when Ukraine is strong, Europe is stronger too."

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the EU and its Member States have mobilised €168.9 billion in humanitarian, financial, and military assistance to Ukraine and its citizens.

This latest payment marks the fourth regular disbursement of over €3.05 billion under the Ukraine Facility, aimed at enhancing macro-financial stability, strengthening public administration, and supporting critical long-term reforms. Since the Facility’s inception on March 1, 2024, total EU support under this program has reached €22.7 billion, representing nearly 60% of the funds available under the Ukraine Plan.

Following Ukraine’s payment request on August 8, the Council endorsed the Commission’s assessment that the country had satisfactorily met 13 reform indicators tied to this fourth quarterly payment. The reforms cover public administration, public asset management, human capital development, green transition, regulation of digital and agri-food sectors, and management of critical raw materials.

Over the 2024-2027 period, Ukraine is expected to receive up to €50 billion in grants and loans through the Ukraine Facility.

The European Commission added: "The disbursement comes in the context of Ukraine's continued progress on EU accession reforms, including the restoration of the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office by the Verkhovna Rada on 31 July. Safeguarding the autonomy of these two institutions is a cornerstone of Ukraine's anti-corruption architecture and of its European path."

By Tamilla Hasanova