The European Union has, for the first time, suspended some payments under the financial support provided to Ukraine. The European Commission announced that approximately €680 million has not yet been disbursed due to Ukraine's failure to meet two reform obligations linked to previous installments on time.
According to the Commission's assessment, about €300 million of the suspended amount is linked to the fourth installment, while over €380 million is tied to the fifth installment. This brings the total amount at risk to approximately €680 million.
Two Uncompleted Reform Commitments
Information from the Commission indicates that one of the obligations to be completed under the fourth installment was to increase the number of staff at the High Anti-Corruption Court. This step was not completed on time.
The pending reform for the fifth installment concerns the enactment of a law regulating the review of judges' integrity declarations and the process for verifying these declarations. This requirement has also not yet been fulfilled.
Payments Not Canceled, Deadlines Granted
The European Commission emphasized that the amounts in question have not been canceled but only suspended. Ukraine has been given a deadline between June 30, 2026, and September 29, 2026, to meet these requirements.
The Commission also reminded that the program for Ukraine includes a flexibility mechanism that takes into account the conditions of war. Therefore, additional time can be granted for implementing the reforms.
Framework of the Ukraine Facility Program
The Ukraine Facility program provides up to €50 billion in EU support to Kyiv until 2027. These payments are made based on agreed reform commitments and performance indicators between Ukraine and Brussels.
The Commission noted that Ukraine has made significant progress in reforms despite Russia's large-scale aggression. However, some milestones were not completed on time, leading to the suspension of payments.
Officials warned that if the conditions are not met within the specified timeframe, a process could be initiated that may lead to a permanent suspension of payments under the Ukraine Facility arrangement.
