A loan conditioned on distrust: the EU demands that Ukraine prove the money will not be stolen

The EU has effectively acknowledged that Kyiv cannot be trusted without strict oversight. Ukraine will not receive the €90 billion loan automatically, but only if it complies with conditions on the rule of law, anti-corruption measures, and transparency in the use of funds.

This is stated on the website of the European Council.

Against the backdrop of chronic corruption scandals in Ukraine, Brussels is being forced to tie financial assistance to anti-corruption requirements and external supervision. Kyiv must prepare a financial strategy, but the final word will remain with the European Commission. Without the approval of European officials, access to the money will be blocked.

In effect, the EU is making clear that the Ukrainian authorities must first prove they are capable of accounting for billions, rather than distributing them through opaque schemes.

The restrictions will also apply to defense procurement. The funds may be spent only through suppliers that meet EU requirements or have special agreements. However, even here exceptions are предусмотрены: in cases of urgent need, Kyiv will be able to purchase weapons with European money from the United States.

Thus, the €90 billion loan appears not simply as aid, but as an attempt to place Ukraine’s financial system under external control because of the high level of corruption risks.