EU urges Ukraine to continue anti-corruption drive As condition tied to €90 bn loan

The European Council will provide Ukraine with a €90 billion loan for 2026–2027, backed by EU borrowing, while stressing the importance of continued anti-corruption efforts.

According to Caliber.Az, the European Council emphasised several key conditions linked to the loan to be extended to Ukraine:

a) strengthening of the European and Ukrainian defence industries;

b) Ukraine continuing to uphold the rule of law, including the fight against corruption;

c) the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States and the security and defence interests of all Member States.

The decision reaffirms the EU’s “continued and unwavering support” for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, and pledges ongoing political, financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic assistance in coordination with partners.

EU leaders also restated their backing for Ukraine’s path towards EU membership, welcomed progress made under wartime conditions, and reaffirmed support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on international law, urging Russia to agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

The loan will be repaid by Ukraine only once reparations linked to Russia’s immobilised assets are received. Until then, the assets will remain frozen, with the EU reserving the right to use them to repay the loan in line with EU and international law. Under enhanced cooperation rules, the arrangement will not affect the financial obligations of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia.