The Dáil will debate the European Commission’s legislative proposals to secure continuous financial support of €90 billon to Ukraine in 2026 and 2027 next Tuesday.
A statement on the proposals issued by the European Commission on 14 January outlines how the €90 billion will be used to create “decisive support for Ukraine’s budgetary and military needs over the next two years, reaffirming the European Union’s “unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine.”
The Commission says the €90 billion loan to Ukraine would be structured in two components, with approximately two thirds, amounting to €60 billion, allocated to military assistance, and the remaining one third, corresponding to €30 billion, provided as general budget support.
The support will help Ukraine strengthen its defence capabilities and ensure the continued functioning of the state and basic public services, while also contributing to Ukraine’s resilience and its closer integration with Europe’s defence industrial base.
The Commission also notes that along with other EU financial support mechanisms for Ukraine, this package will be underpinned by strong conditionality mechanisms. This includes the measures to strengthen the rule of law and the fight against corruption foreseen under the Ukraine Plan.
Speaking on the matter during statements on International Developments on Wednesday of this week, Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said Ireland “must also step up our support for Ukraine to put it in the strongest possible position in peace negotiations.”
Referring specifically to the €90 billion loan, the minister stated that “Ireland welcomes this decision, and that in Ireland’s case, “this support is non-lethal in nature.”
She added that last year, the Government provided €200 million in bilateral, non-lethal military support for Ukraine, “the bulk of this has been provided through procurement partnerships with Denmark and Lithuania.”
“This is to provide elements of air defence purchased from Ukraine’s defence industries. This support will help Ukraine to defend its towns, cities and energy infrastructure from Russia’s brutal air and drone attacks. Last month, the Government announced a contribution of €25 million in energy support,” the minister said.