Attempts to cover Ukraine's financial needs with European funds are reminiscent of watering a desert. A European diplomat told Le Monde newspaper this opinion, commenting on the latest request from Kyiv, APA reports.
According to the publication, Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko, during his latest visit to Brussels on Monday, stated the need to find an additional €69 billion for 2027. This figure already includes the €90 billion in aid promised by the European Union for 2026-2027, as well as support under bilateral agreements between Kyiv and its partners.
"It feels like we're watering a desert," an unnamed European diplomat told the newspaper. The publication notes that such requests are currently receiving a lukewarm reception in Brussels, where they are preparing to discuss a multi-year budget. And given that Germany and some other countries are insisting on budget cuts, finding additional funding for Ukraine is becoming an even more challenging task.
"We are awaiting details on the needs and will see how we can meet them. Discussions are expected at the finance ministers' meeting on October 9 or even at the European Council meeting in mid-October," the diplomat told the newspaper. Several of his colleagues, however, note that Kyiv has not yet used the €15 billion allocated under the latest tranche. Furthermore, receiving the new aid is conditional on the implementation of several reforms, including those aimed at combating corruption.
Against this backdrop, the newspaper suggests that the issue of using frozen Russian assets will inevitably return to the EU-level agenda. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also proposes using €20 billion of the €150 billion European loan, earmarked for "rearmament in Europe." However, states are obligated to repay these funds, which again raises the question of who is willing to shoulder this burden.
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