The Prime Minister of Belgium, which began presiding over the EU Council on January 1, Alexandre De Croo is confident that the 27 EU countries can reach a compromise on unlocking EUR 50 billion of financial assistance for Ukraine for the period 2024-2027.

De Croo told reporters in Brussels on Thursday that today is a very important meeting, which actually has one main topic – how they can continue to support Ukraine, how to enable Ukraine to continue to procure the defense equipment it needs, how they support Ukraine in paying, for example, salaries to its teachers. He noted importance that they come to an agreement, come to an agreement with 27 countries.

He said at the last meeting of the European Council an agreement was reached between 26 countries – and it is still in force.

De Croo said some 26 countries understand very clearly what is at stake, and they can continue. He said he is confident in their ability to reach a compromise with 27 countries.