The EU countries agree. After protracted negotiations, a financial aid of 50 billion euros over four years has been hammered through for Ukraine.
“The EU shows leadership and responsibility in supporting Ukraine. We know what is at stake,” writes EU Council President Charles Michel on X.
Extraordinary meeting
Hungary and Prime Minister Victor Orbán were a question mark ahead of the vote. But now Charles Michel confirms that all 27 member states voted yes.
Thursday has been painted as a “day of fate” for Ukraine. The support was voted through during an extraordinary meeting in Brussels – where the support package was at stake. It must be used to keep schools, healthcare and other important social functions running.
Prior to the vote, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) was unsure of the outcome.
– We don’t know if we will be able to agree, he said.
“Incredibly strong signal”
He emphasizes that the support package is about sending signals to both Kiev and Washington.
– A unified message from the EU is not only an incredibly strong signal to Ukraine, but also a strong signal to the US that Europe stands firm, united and united in its support for Ukraine. Thus, we can also say with some force that we want the US to continue its support, Kristersson told the Swedish press on site in Brussels.