EU reaffirms long-term support for Ukraine – Prime Minister Orpo pleased with the outcome

On Thursday 1 February, the EU heads of state and government decided on the mid-term revision of the multiannual financial framework and approved EUR 50 billion in support for Ukraine. The matter was agreed on unanimously by all 27 Member States at the special European Council in Brussels.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, who represented Finland at the meeting, was pleased with the outcome. “It is very important that we were able to move forward. Our strong, long-term support for Ukraine will continue as planned,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

In December, 26 EU Member States agreed on the content of the mid-term revision of the multiannual financial framework, and the agreement reached at that time was now also acceptable to Hungary. The additional EU funding will amount to EUR 64.6 billion over four years. 

The funding for the Ukraine Facility consists of EUR 17 billion in grants and EUR 33 billion in loans. This is the first time Ukraine will be receiving direct grants in addition to loan-based support.

The European Council also agreed that, if necessary, it would invite the Commission to review the Ukraine Facility in two years’ time. This would take place when considering the Commission’s proposal for the next financial framework period. 

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the European Council for approving the support via video connection.

The EU leaders reiterated the need to speed up the production of munitions and their delivery to Ukraine. Prime Minister Orpo highlighted the importance of intensifying European cooperation the defence industry.

“Europe must make arrangements to increase its production capacity significantly, both for the sake of its own preparedness and to meet Ukraine's needs,” said Prime Minister Orpo. 

In their meeting, the EU leaders also discussed external relations, especially recent developments in the Middle East.   

On 31 January, the day before the European Council, a memorial ceremony was held in Brussels for former Commission President Jacques Delors. Prime Minister Orpo represented Finland together with former Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen at the event.

Inquiries: Tuomas Tikkanen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 40 523 5768 and Marko Ruonala, Project Manager (Communications), tel. +358 50 522 8233, Prime Minister’s Office.