EU Seeks 70 Billion Euros in Additional Ukraine Aid
Volodymyr Zelenskyy requested 70 billion euros in additional 2027 aid, prompting the European Union to seek increased contributions from non-EU allies amid internal member state opposition.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has requested an additional 70 billion euros from the European Union for 2027 to sustain Ukraine's war effort, citing a projected total cost of 155 billion euros for next year. The funds are intended for defense, weaponry, and domestic drone production to counter intensified Russian offensives. While the EU previously secured a 90-billion-euro loan for 2026-2027, this covers only two-thirds of Kyiv's requirements.
The European Commission is exploring funding options, including raising fresh joint EU debt, but faces significant political opposition. Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Bulgaria have indicated they will not participate in the new loan mechanism. Additionally, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has resisted proposals to use 210 billion euros in frozen Russian Central Bank assets, warning of catastrophic consequences for the Belgian banking system.
To bridge the gap, the EU is now pushing for broad burden sharing from non-EU allies. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that the EU currently provides 80% of Ukraine's external aid and urged partners to step up. Brussels plans to advocate for increased contributions during upcoming summits with Canada on October 29-30 and the United Kingdom on November 20. This push follows reports that several allies, including the United Kingdom, have failed to fulfill existing aid commitments, with Norway being the only partner to maintain its pledge.
