Disagreements have emerged within the European Union regarding the allocation of €6.6 billion from the European Peace Facility. Germany advocates for directing these funds to support Ukraine, while Poland insists on full reimbursement of its military expenditures.
The funds, which were recently unblocked by Hungary, are currently held in Brussels. Germany’s position emphasizes that these resources should be used to aid Ukraine rather than returned to the national budgets of EU member states.
Sources indicate that EU countries have incurred approximately €43 billion in expenses under the fund, creating significant obligations for compensation. However, there are insufficient available funds for full reimbursement.
Poland is pushing for reimbursement of around 2 billion zlotys (approximately €450 million) for military supplies sent to Ukraine. Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk stressed that Poland opposes attempts to alter the existing distribution rules for the funds.
According to Tomczyk, reducing reimbursements directly impacts the level of military support that countries can offer Ukraine. The Polish government deems it unacceptable to revise terms after assistance has already been provided.
In Berlin, officials argue that the Peace Facility funds should be allocated to Ukraine as a demonstration of European solidarity. Representatives from Germany’s Ministry of Defense highlight that the country is already contributing significant resources to support Kyiv, suggesting that the redistribution of several hundred million euros is not a critical issue.
Several EU nations, including those in Scandinavia, share a similar viewpoint. France, however, supports a partial implementation of the EU plan but insists that procurement should primarily involve European manufacturers.
Within the EU, ongoing disagreements persist regarding the principles of compensation distribution. Some countries, including Poland and Slovakia, demand full reimbursement, while others advocate for a proportional payment mechanism.
Further discussions on the matter are expected to take place at a technical level before being presented to EU ambassadors for consideration.
Additionally, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Germany plans to allocate €300 million to support a Czech initiative related to supplying ammunition for Ukraine.
The EU faces internal conflict over the distribution of €6.6 billion from the European Peace Facility, with Germany supporting aid to Ukraine and Poland demanding full reimbursement for military expenses. Further discussions are anticipated among EU member states.