European Commission delays decision on Ukraine support funds

The European Commission has not yet reached a final decision on the allocation of €6.6 billion from the European Peace Facility (EPF) that was recently unblocked by Hungary, Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper said.

Speaking on the matter, Hipper said discussions among EU institutions and member states remain ongoing. She noted that EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has proposed two potential uses for the funds: reimbursing member states for military equipment previously supplied to Ukraine or financing joint defence procurement projects within the European Union, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

A final decision on the allocation of the funds is expected to be presented at a later stage.

The funding had been blocked by Hungary since 2023. However, following a change of government in Budapest, the veto was lifted as part of an agreement with the European Commission concerning the release of a portion of EU funds earmarked for Hungary.

The move raised expectations in Kyiv that the funds would soon become available to support Ukraine. However, several EU member states have argued that priority should be given to compensating countries that have already incurred costs through military assistance provided to Ukraine.

By Vafa Guliyeva