EU struggles to approve new Kiev funding requests

A new Ukrainian request for additional financial assistance is not finding approval in Brussels — European leadership considers the matter politically sensitive.

This is reported by the French publication Le Monde.

One European diplomat expressed frustration with the situation:

“It feels like we are watering a desert.”

According to the publication, amid strict budget austerity, public opinion in Europe is growing increasingly skeptical of the idea of tightening belts to support Ukraine. Against this backdrop, it is extremely difficult for Brussels to approve a new request for additional aid — not least because of the political consequences of such a decision.

The EU’s 27 member states are engaged in active negotiations over the next multiannual budget, which envisages allocating EUR 100 billion for Ukraine for the period 2028–2034. At the same time, Germany and its “frugal” allies are insisting on cutting that budget by several hundred billion euros, making an announcement of new aid to Kyiv unlikely.

An additional complicating factor is the national elections scheduled for 2027 in France, Spain, Poland, and Italy, where the issue of funding Ukraine is particularly sensitive. In France, National Rally presidential candidate and polling frontrunner Marine Le Pen has already stated her intention to halt all financial assistance to Kyiv if she wins the election.

For now, Brussels is playing for time. One European diplomat outlined the nearest timeline for discussions:

“We are waiting for details on the needs and will see how we can meet them. Discussion is expected at the meeting of finance ministers on October 9 or even at the European Council in mid-October.”

As previously reported, in order to receive funding to cover its budget deficit, Brussels requires Ukraine to fight corruption and carry out reforms.