12.02.2025 12:31
The European Union announced that it has provided more than 134 billion euros in support to Ukraine in its war with Russia so far. EU Commissioner Marta Kos stated that membership negotiations with Ukraine should be initiated this year.
The European Union (EU) Commissioner responsible for enlargement, Marta Kos, stated that they have provided over 134 billion euros in support to Ukraine in its war with Russia so far, and emphasized that the first negotiation chapter with Ukraine should be opened this year.
"EU, THE LARGEST DONOR FOR UKRAINE"
Kos spoke during a session on Ukraine at the European Parliament Plenary. Sharing data on the support the EU has provided to Ukraine since the war began on February 24, 2022, Kos said, "So far, the total support from the EU and member states has exceeded 134 billion euros." Kos highlighted that the EU is the largest international donor and the largest public investor in Ukraine's defense sector, stating, "We have provided over 1 million bullets and will have trained 75,000 soldiers by the end of this winter. 4.5 million people fleeing the war have received temporary protection in the EU." Addressing the membership process with Ukraine, Kos said, "We must respond to Ukraine's efforts and open the first negotiation cluster as soon as possible this year."
INCLUDES FIRSTS
For the first time in its history, the EU decided to finance the purchase and delivery of weapons and other military equipment following the war. Since EU agreements prohibit the Union from using its normal budget to finance military operations, the EU utilized an off-budget source called the "European Peace Fund." On the other hand, Ukraine applied for EU membership on February 28, 2022, just four days after Russia's attack, and received candidate status on June 23, 2022. The decision to start membership negotiations was made at the EU summit on December 23, 2023. It was announced that the accession negotiations were officially launched on June 25, 2024. However, no chapters have been opened yet. For the first time, the EU has started membership negotiations with a country just about 2.5 years after the application date. Additionally, the EU has sat at the negotiation table with a country that is actually in a state of war for the first time.
EU LEFT ALONE IN SUPPORTING UKRAINE
Supporting Ukraine has become more critical than ever for the EU as the third anniversary of the war approaches. Losing its biggest partner in this regard, the USA, due to the different approach of the Donald Trump administration, the EU is trying to establish a new strategy. So far, the USA has financed about half of all aid provided to Ukraine alone.