European Commission welcomes London's intent to contribute to EUR 90 bln loan for Ukraine

The European Commission has characterized the United Kingdom’s intent to contribute to the European Union’s EUR 90 billion loan for Ukraine as a significant development. EC budget spokesperson Balázs Ujvári noted in Brussels on Monday that the clear political signal from Prime Minister Keir Starmer represents a first step, with negotiations now required to finalize specific details.

The European Commission detailed three conditions the United Kingdom must fulfill to join the assistance program. First, the UK must maintain a security and defense partnership with the EU, which has been in place since last May. Second, the Commission will evaluate the significance of the UK’s financial and military support to Ukraine. Third, London must commit to a fair and proportional financial contribution toward borrowing costs, relative to the value of contracts awarded to UK-registered entities.

While British participation will not alter the total EUR 90 billion capacity of the EU program, it would allow the UK to participate in initiatives such as the joint procurement of defense equipment. The European Commission expressed readiness to advance these discussions as quickly as possible.

The British government previously indicated its intent to negotiate joining the EU loan, valued at approximately GBP 78 billion ($106 billion), as a sign of deepening European defense ties. Prime Minister Starmer is expected to emphasize the UK’s desire to collaborate with the EU to provide Ukraine with vital military equipment during the European Political Community summit in Yerevan.