EU ministers have yet to reach agreement on eighth ‘military’ tranche for Ukraine

The relevant statement was made by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell during a press conference, following the meeting of EU ministers in Toledo, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Today, EU ministers have held an informal meeting in Spain’s Toledo and expressed political support for the EU High Representative’s initiative regarding the creation of a Ukraine Assistance Fund for the period 2024-2027. However, the ministers did not reach an agreement on the allocation of the eighth tranche worth EUR 500 million from the European Peace Facility to finance Ukraine’s military needs.

Borrell expressed hope that this decision might be unblocked in the coming weeks.

In the course of the meeting, Borrell suggested that the EU ministers consider establishing a financial ceiling of EUR 20 billion (EUR 5 billion per annum) for the next four years to ensure sustainable military support for Ukraine.

Borrell mentioned that the ministers’ response regarding this proposal was rather positive. EU ministers expressed determination to continue providing military assistance to Ukraine for as long as it takes.

According to Borrell, this discussion will continue at the level of the Council of the EU, and he expects the parties to reach an agreement before the end of the year.

In addition, EU ministers endorsed a proposal to increase the number of Ukrainian soldiers, who are expected to undergo training as part of the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) by the end of the year, to 40,000.