Valdis Dombrovskis: EU Ukraine aid could be used for defense

European Commission Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stated that the proposed 100 billion euro support for Ukraine in the next EU multi-annual budget could potentially be redirected toward defense if necessary. While the primary focus of the proposal is Ukraine's reconstruction, Dombrovskis noted that the funding must remain flexible to adapt to the evolving situation on the ground.

Regarding current assistance, Ukraine is slated to receive 90 billion euros in EU loans for 2026 and 2027, with 45 billion euros available this year and 45 billion next year. Of this year's allocation, nearly 15 billion euros has already been disbursed. Dombrovskis clarified that defense-related funding does not require the same reform conditions as general budget support, though it does mandate specific requirements regarding financial control and the systems being purchased.