Zelensky-von der Leyen meeting confirms Ukraine must reform to unlock more money
The meeting, described as "tense" by Bloomberg, included not just the EU wish for Ukraine to pass reforms, but also Kyiv criticizing a decision by EU countries that day to drop sanctions from two Russian oligarchs.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President Volodymyr Zelensky met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, discussing the need for Ukraine to reform in order to unlock more funding. Zelensky pointed out a $27 billion shortfall in Ukraine's finances for 2026, while the EU's $103 billion funding loan can only cover two-thirds of Ukraine's total financial needs until the end of 2027.
This funding is contingent upon Ukraine implementing a range of reforms aimed at improving the rule of law, economy, and preparing for potential EU membership.
The meeting was described as tense by Bloomberg, with both sides expressing their stance. Ukrainian officials were outraged over the EU's decision to remove sanctions from two Russian oligarchs, while the EU reiterated its commitment to seeing continued reforms from Ukraine. Apart from a $9 billion contribution from Norway for 2027, no other key allies have stepped in to help bridge the funding gap left by Ukraine's budget shortfall.
Although Ukraine has not asked for early disbursement of EU payments scheduled for 2027, Zelensky has previously shown support for this approach, which would mean the EU would have to drop the timetable of reform requirements. Brussels has become increasingly exasperated with Ukraine's slow progress on several key reforms, including a law to protect Ukraine's minorities, required by Hungary to drop its objections to advancing Kyiv's EU accession process.
EU Commissioners for the Economy and Enlargement, Valdis Dombrovskis, and Marta Kos, wrote to Ukrainian parliament to remind them that they could unlock $23 billion in support by voting through a list of pre-agreed reforms, which are currently ready and supported by both Brussels and Budapest. Von der Leyen also mentioned on social media that there remains $42 billion of support available in the current calendar year, with $3.4 billion set to be greenlit on September 23 due to Ukraine's successful adoption of other reforms.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
