The European Union will not be able to disburse the first tranche of a €90 billion financial aid package to Ukraine next week, according to diplomatic sources. The funds are now expected to be available no earlier than the beginning of June.
This information was confirmed by a source within European diplomatic circles. Earlier today, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, expressed optimism about the potential for initial payments to be made next week.
However, sources indicate that the first disbursement may be delayed until June. Negotiations regarding the Memorandum of Understanding between Ukraine and the EU have been completed, with the next steps involving approval from the Ukrainian Parliament and the European Commission.
Balázs Ujvári, a spokesperson for the European Commission, reported significant progress in the implementation of this loan during a recent briefing. He stated, “We have a few more steps to complete, and our rule remains unchanged: to finish the work as quickly as possible. We are determined to execute the first disbursement during the second quarter, and we will do so. This involves a payment of approximately €9 billion no later than June, which will be allocated as follows: €5.9 billion for defense purposes and €3.2 billion under the Micro-Financial Assistance Program. Earlier this year, we received the first list of defense items, and further lists are currently under discussion.”
Background on the €90 Billion EU Loan to Ukraine
On December 19, 2025, EU leaders agreed to support Ukraine with a €90 billion package for the years 2026-2027. This loan will be backed by the EU’s budget reserves rather than frozen Russian assets.
On January 14, 2026, the European Commission approved a legislative package to facilitate this loan, aimed at addressing Ukraine’s financial and military needs over a two-year period.
Subsequently, on January 21, the European Parliament endorsed a proposal enabling the activation of enhanced cooperation for establishing the Loan for Ukraine, amounting to €90 billion for 2026 and 2027.
On February 11, members of the European Parliament voted in favor of three legislative acts that would allow Ukraine to access this loan in 2026 and 2027.
However, on February 20, it was reported that Hungary had blocked the disbursement of the €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine due to the lack of oil transit from Russia through the Druzhba pipeline.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that Kyiv had informed Budapest about Russian strikes on the Druzhba pipeline in Brody, Lviv region, and the resulting damage as early as January 27, arguing that accusations of delays in supplies were illogical.
In response, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó claimed during a European Council meeting on February 23 that Russia had not attacked the Druzhba pipeline infrastructure and suggested that Ukraine had halted transit due to an “internal political decision.” The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry accused the Hungarian minister of making statements and taking actions that favored Russia.
On February 23, European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis informed that the EU is not considering alternative options regarding the €90 billion loan to Ukraine, which Hungary is currently blocking.
The EU leaders’ summit took place on March 19 in Brussels. Prior to the meeting, the Hungarian Prime Minister announced to reporters that Budapest would not support any EU decisions in favor of Ukraine until Kyiv resumes oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline, including the unblocking of the €90 billion loan.
The EU's first tranche of financial aid to Ukraine, part of a €90 billion package, is now expected in June rather than next week due to ongoing negotiations and diplomatic hurdles. Key steps remain, including approvals from both the Ukrainian Parliament and the European Commission.