EU Pledges €10 Billion for Ukraine’s Reconstruction at Rome Recovery Conference
ROME – The European Union on Thursday pledged to significantly boost its financial and political support for Ukraine, unveiling a sweeping new investment strategy aimed at mobilizing up to €10 billion ($11.7 billion) for the country’s post-war recovery and long-term development.
Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa announced a series of initiatives reflecting the EU’s sustained commitment to Ukraine, now entering the fourth year of war with Russia.
Von der Leyen introduced the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, a landmark initiative aimed at attracting large-scale private investment into key sectors such as energy, transportation, raw materials, and dual-use industries. Developed in partnership with Italy, Germany, France, Poland, and the European Investment Bank, the fund is seen as a catalyst for major reconstruction efforts.
“We are literally taking a stake in Ukraine’s future,” said von der Leyen, emphasizing the EU’s intent to leverage public funds to unlock vital private investments. She added that the EU would cover 84% of Ukraine’s external financing needs in 2025.
Additional measures include a €1 billion macro-financial assistance payment, over €3 billion from the Ukraine Facility, and an extra €2.3 billion in financial support—comprising €1.8 billion in loan guarantees and €580 million in grants to stimulate investment in energy, infrastructure, and small business development.
European Council President Costa praised Ukraine’s continued pursuit of diplomacy despite ongoing Russian attacks, reiterating the EU’s strategy of combining sanctions, defense support, and diplomatic pressure to achieve a just and lasting peace.
Costa also confirmed that Ukraine had met the criteria to begin its first cluster of EU accession negotiations, urging swift progress on its membership path.
The combined financial and political support, leaders said, is intended not only to assist Ukraine’s recovery but also to anchor the country firmly within the European family.
