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EU Unveils €90 Billion Ukraine Loan With Flexible European-Preference Arms Rules

EU institutions now weigh the proposal for swift approval to enable April disbursements.

Overview

  • Two-thirds of the package (€60 billion) is earmarked for defense and one-third (€30 billion) for budget support tied to rule-of-law and anti-corruption reforms.
  • The procurement plan prioritizes suppliers in Ukraine, the EU and the EEA, with limited exceptions to buy essential third‑country systems when Europe cannot deliver quickly, a compromise that could cover items such as Patriot air defenses.
  • The loan proceeds under enhanced cooperation with 24 participating states, with Czechia, Hungary and Slovakia opting out of implementation.
  • Ukraine would not repay unless Russia pays reparations, and the EU reserves the right to use cash balances from immobilized Russian assets to service the debt; borrowing costs for the bloc are estimated at roughly €3–4 billion annually from 2028.
  • The Commission is pushing for fast-track passage in the Parliament and Council to unlock a first tranche as early as April, positioning the package to help close Ukraine’s 2026–2027 financing gap and support a new IMF program.