EU approves 3 billion euros for Ukraine after Kyiv passes reforms

Key facts

• Ukraine has completed 10 reforms required for EU funding.
• EU ambassadors approved 3 billion euros ($3.4 billion) for Ukraine on Sept. 23.
• The reforms are part of the Ukraine Plan, aimed at advancing EU membership and improving state institutions.
• Overdue reforms and those completed ahead of schedule were included in the payment request.
• Ukraine faces a $27 billion budget hole for 2026.

EU ambassadors verified on September 23 that Kyiv had successfully completed 10 reforms, clearing the way for Ukraine to receive three billion euros ($3.4 billion) in financial support. The approval came hours after a meeting between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The reforms are part of the Ukraine Plan, a list of changes Kyiv must implement to advance its bid for EU membership, improve state institutions, and unlock financial support from the bloc. Among the approved reforms were changes to the integrity declarations of judges, the appointment of a new electricity market operator, a plan to overcome the gender pay gap, and laws to improve traffic safety. Ukraine's pace of reform had fallen behind schedule, but this payment request included a mix of overdue and ahead-of-schedule reforms. President Zelensky identified a budget hole of $27 billion for 2026, and the EU has repeatedly emphasized that reforms can unlock funding. EU Commissioners Valdis Dombrovskis and Marta Kos had previously reminded that over 20 billion euros ($23 billion) could be unblocked by the end of 2026 if commitments related to the Ukraine Plan and Macro-Financial Assistance are met. These conditions align with those required by the International Monetary Fund. The two commissioners also provided a list of 21 reforms to be completed, including an anti-corruption strategy and measures to prevent money laundering.