BRUSSELS (Reuters) – European Union leaders unanimously agreed on Thursday to extend 50 billion euros ($53.96 billion)in aid to Ukraine, the chairman of the summit said, overcoming weeks of Hungary’s resistance.
Following is some of the initial reaction.
EUROPEAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT CHARLES MICHEL:
“We have a deal. (…) All 27 leaders agreed on an additional €50 billion support package for Ukraine within the EU budget. This locks in steadfast, long-term, predictable funding for Ukraine. EU is taking leadership and responsibility in support for Ukraine; we know what is at stake.”
UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY:
“Grateful to Charles Michel and EU leaders for establishing the €50 billion Ukraine Facility for 2024-2027. It is very important that the decision was made by all 27 leaders, which once again proves strong EU unity.
Continued EU financial support for Ukraine will strengthen long-term economic and financial stability, which is no less important than military assistance and sanctions pressure on Russia.”
EU COMMISSION CHIEF URSULA VON DER LEYEN
“Agreement! The European Council delivered on our priorities. Supporting Ukraine. Fighting illegal migration. Supporting European competitiveness. A good day for Europe.”
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT ROBERTA METSOLA
“Once again, Europe has delivered. €50 billion to help Ukraine recover, reconstruct and reform, on the country’s path to EU membership.
We owe this to the people of Ukraine. We owe it too to the people of Europe. Because Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security”
($1 = 0.9266 euros)
(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout; Editing by Ros Russell)
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