EU leaders to urge UK and Canada to increase Ukraine defense funding

European Union leaders intend to pressure the United Kingdom and Canada to increase their financial contributions toward Ukraine’s defense in 2027. During upcoming summits, EU officials aim to address a projected €70 billion (£58 billion) funding shortfall facing Kyiv for both military and civilian needs.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to request additional support from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at an EU-Canada summit in Montreal. Similarly, von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa will meet with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham at an EU-UK summit in Brussels on November 20 to discuss increased commitments.

These requests come as the UK faces economic challenges. Chancellor John Healey is currently preparing a budget amidst rising borrowing costs and a difficult economic outlook, though he has stated that the government is exploring ways to intensify military, diplomatic, and economic support for Ukraine.