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🇪🇺 Bringing you news and information from the European Commission More here: ec.europa.eu
Four years after the start of its full-scale invasion, Russia’s economy is slowing sharply and its budget is under growing pressure.
We welcome the adoption of the latest sanctions package, which further cuts off the resources funding Russia’s war:
⚡️ Suspending the adaptation of the oil price cap until July 2027 and listing 41 more vessels from the shadow fleet.
🏦 Blocking more Russian banks, now totaling over 100, and adding a third-country ban on crypto circumvention platforms.
⚓ For the first time, targeting those providing maritime services to the shadow fleet.
📦 Restricting the export of metal powders, alloys, and drone technologies like jamming equipment.
🪖 Paving the way for a visa ban for Russian combatants and ex-combatants participating in the war.
Ukraine will prevail. 🇪🇺🇺🇦
More 👉 link.europa.eu/dT7Ycy
Europe and Ukraine stand together. Stronger and more determined than ever.
With EU countries, we have already provided more than €211 billion in support. Now, we are scaling our commitments to directly help citizens.
At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, we released €3.2 billion under the new €90 billion loan to keep essential services running
We are also investing €500 million to support small businesses, helping veterans and displaced people get back to work, and putting €478 million into rebuilding healthcare facilities and affordable housing.
More 👉 https://link.europa.eu/BDYyTp
A defining moment for Europe. 🇪🇺🤝🇲🇩🇺🇦
All EU countries have now agreed to open the first accession negotiations cluster with Ukraine and Moldova.
Today, we're launching talks on the backbone of the accession process: including justice, freedom, and fundamental rights.
We've seen the hard work these countries have put in, and we are rewarding it with a clear path forward.
Enlargement is our strategic choice. Our best investment in a shared future of peace, security and prosperity.
🚨 Global humanitarian aid is in crisis.
The UN estimates 239 million people need lifesaving aid this year, but global funds will only reach fewer than half. We cannot let millions of people be left behind.
We are launching a new strategy to modernise how funding reaches those in need:
👉 Protecting frontline aid workers.
👉 Empowering local teams to play a greater role.
👉 Reforming supply chains to maximise cost-effectiveness.
As the provider of 35% of global funding, we will remain the world's most reliable donor, keeping our aid independent and fast.
Read more here.
Today we celebrate Vyshyvanka, a symbol of unity and immense strength. 🇺🇦
As we work to bring Ukraine closer to our Union, every thread of our solidarity strengthens this shared fabric.
Our total support of over €200 billion from the EU and its countries helps stitch a secure future, ensuring Ukraine’s living traditions continue to spark pride and hope across Europe and the world.
Our unity has never been stronger.
Accountability for Russia is the only path to peace 🇺🇦
We are officially joining the Special Tribunal to prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine and ratifying the International Claims Commission
This means we are leading the way to make sure those responsible for the aggression are prosecuted and that victims get the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
There can be no peace without justice.
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/cKFkKX
Europe, our home 🌍
Today, we celebrate the European dream and the values that bring us together.
The Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950 laid the groundwork for the European Union that we know today.
Europe Day is your day! 💙
The time to cut ties is now.
Old dependencies are gone. A stronger, more resilient Europe is taking charge 👇
link.europa.eu/gWYj97
"In spring, we said we would deliver the €90 billion loan – one way or the other.
Now, we made good on this promise. We will disburse the first tranche of €45 billion for 2026 still this quarter.
One-third is for budgetary needs, two-thirds go to Ukraine's defence.
The first defence package will be on drones from Ukraine, for Ukraine – worth some €6 billion.
Our message is clear: we will continue our support to the brave Ukrainian people and their armed forces."
— President von der Leyen at the European Parliament plenary, 29 March 2026
#StandWithUkraine
We welcome the agreement from the EU countries on the €90 billion loan to Ukraine for 2026-27 and on 20th sanctions package.
While Russia doubles down on its aggression, we are doubling down on our support to the brave Ukrainian nation enabling Ukraine to defend itself and putting pressure on Russia’s war economy.
Now we will move to swiftly implement on both fronts.
More: https://link.europa.eu/xTHT3K
#StandWithUkraine
5,000 lives, one unwavering mission. 🇺🇦🇪🇺
We have reached a vital milestone: 5,000 Ukrainian patients have now been evacuated through the European Civil Protection Mechanism.
This is the largest medical evacuation operation ever coordinated by the EU.
21 EU countries and Norway have welcomed patients for treatment.
We are deeply committed to supporting the most vulnerable.
Our Rzeszów Hub in Poland has been facilitating these transfers since September 2022.
We #StandWithUkraine
ℹ️ link.europa.eu/tWqvhM
The vibrant patterns on a Pysanka are inextricably part of Ukraine’s roots. They are symbols of a nation’s unbroken spirit. 🇺🇦
As we prepare for the upcoming high-level meeting for the return of Ukrainian children, our commitment clear, to the lives we protect together:
💙 offering a safe haven in the EU to millions displaced by the war
🚑 providing unprecedented financial, humanitarian, diplomatic, and military support
💡 providing energy support to help families through the cold winter
Hope is action.
We #StandWithUkraine
🇺🇦🇪🇺 Ukraine will receive €1.4 billion from windfall profits generated by Russian Central Bank assets frozen under EU sanctions.
The assets stay blocked, but the interest they earn can be used to help Ukraine.
For a strong Ukraine in a secure Europe.
➡️ link.europa.eu/7r9nc3
Media freedom is not optional.
We are launching a €3 million initiative to support journalists from Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia who are exiled in EU countries.
Our goal is to help these journalists maintain their independence and to reach their audiences safely. This programme will support media hubs and provide essential networking tools.
Transparency and independence are at the heart of what we do
If you work for an NGO or research centre, you can apply for this support, from 16 April 👇
https://link.europa.eu/Kb9b8q
🇪🇺🇲🇩 Today, we are sending a clear, powerful message of commitment to our neighbours in Moldova.
We just released €189 million to Moldova for completing 24 vital reforms.
They are putting in real efforts to join our European family, and we are backing them every step of the way.
Where does the money go?
🔹 €173 million goes straight into the state budget to keep public services running strong for citizens.
🔹 €16 million goes into local projects that create jobs and improve neighbourhoods.
Moldova’s future is European, and we are making sure that they have the resources to get there.
More 👇
https://link.europa.eu/YXPY7F
Thirty-one years ago, in Srebrenica, more than 8,300 men and boys were murdered.
We pause to remember the victims and the families who still carry this loss.
We remain firmly committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina's European future as a sovereign, united, multiethnic and democratic country.
The prosperous Ukraine of tomorrow requires massive investment today.
We are disbursing €3.2 billion under the new Ukraine Support Loan.
This will help strengthen the country's macro-financial stability and ensure the continuity of essential state functions.
More 👉 link.europa.eu/twdNCX
A Russian drone incursion struck a densely populated area in Romania, injuring civilians.
On EU territory.
We will keep increasing the pressure on Russia. A 21st package of sanctions is being prepared.
Europe stands with Romania and all Romanians. 🇪🇺🇷🇴
When a child goes missing, a family is torn apart.
This International Missing Children’s Day and beyond, we stand for all vulnerable children.
Every child deserves safety, whether they are facing the horrors of war or are vulnerable within our borders:
🇪🇺 Dedicating an additional €50 million to help bring home the Ukrainian children taken by Russia.
🛡️ Strengthening child protection systems in the EU.
🛂 Enhancing cross-border police work to keep vulnerable children safe.
For every child, to be accounted for and kept safe.
Our support for Ukraine enters its next decisive phase.
We have signed the agreement to unlock the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan. The first €3.2 billion instalment, set for the second quarter of 2026, is on track to deliver key results:
🔵 Boost the economy and protect public services.
🟡 Modernise public finance systems.
🔵 Reinforce the fight against corruption.
Clear reforms for a stronger future.
We stand with Ukraine, every step of the way.
More: https://link.europa.eu/VP4YR3
Thousands of Ukrainian children have been unlawfully deported to Russia, a clear violation of their rights.
We are co-hosting the event for the Return of Ukrainian Children in May 2026. Together with Ukraine, Canada, and EU countries, we are pursuing:
👉 The immediate identification and return of all deported children.
👉 Legal accountability for those responsible for forced transfers.
👉 Financial and social support for reintegration.
We will not stop until every child is returned and until Russia is held accountable.
Raiding Russia's war chest.
As our sanctions take hold, we see a regime retreating behind a digital Iron Curtain to hide the truth about its failing economy.
Our 20th sanctions package to weaken the Kremlin’s invasion includes:
💠 632 ships banned from our ports.
💠 20 banks added to our list.
💠 €365m in trade halted.
💠 Zero tolerance for sanctions dodging.
With Ukraine for as long as it takes 👇
https://link.europa.eu/xTHT3K
📌 We are seeking founding members for the new 🇪🇺🇺🇦 Drone Alliance.
The alliance will focus on developing advanced drone and counter-drone technologies to address modern security threats.
We invite experts and companies from the drone sector to apply and help us shape the alliance’s priorities, strengthening our collective security and building a more innovative defence industry
You can submit your expression of interest until 25 May 2026 👇
https://link.europa.eu/dvPnCT
We are launching a new combat testing platform to support Ukraine’s defence.
Through the BraveTechEU initiative, we are accelerating defence innovation and building on battlefield-proven technologies and strengthening cooperation between the EU and Ukraine.
Here is how we are moving forward:
1️⃣ We begin selecting the most promising solutions in June 2026.
2️⃣ The European Defence Agency will start field testing and evaluation later this year.
Ukraine’s resilience in the face of aggression has redefined battlefield innovation.
We are working with our Ukrainian partners to bridge the gap between laboratories and the frontline.
More 👉 https://link.europa.eu/WFRpGP
Russia’s war has stolen more than just land. It has stolen childhoods.
More than 20,000 Ukrainian children have been taken from their homes and families.
We are joining forces with Ukraine and Canada to change this. On 11 May, we are hosting a high-level meeting in Brussels to demand their safe return.
We are committed to tracing every single child. We want to see them reunited with their loved ones and ensure that justice is served.
More 👇
https://link.europa.eu/HCR7jK
#StandWithUkraine
We are bringing the Ukrainian defense industry into the heart of Europe’s industrial base.
With Project STRATUS, we are turning real-time combat experience into the world’s most advanced defense for drone swarms.
The project is one of 57 new European Defence Fund projects we are founding to ensure our technological lead in advanced defence technology.
€1.07 billion. One goal: a safe, stronger Europe.
👉 https://link.europa.eu/ymRyTK
"I welcome the two-week ceasefire the US and Iran agreed last night. It brings much-needed de-escalation.
I thank Pakistan for its mediation.
Now it is crucial that negotiations for an enduring solution to this conflict continue.
We will continue coordinating with our partners to this end."
— President Ursula von der Leyen, 8 April 2026
Europe steps up on defence and support for Ukraine.
We've just approved a €1.5 billion investment plan to strengthen Europe’s defence industry and reinforce cooperation with Ukraine.
What does it mean?
👉 More production of key defence components
👉 Support to rebuild Ukraine's defence industry
👉 Common procurement of defence equipment
👉 Funding for defence start-ups
This investment represents a major step towards modernising Europe’s defence industry, boosting production capacity and securing technological advancement and resilience.
ℹ️ https://link.europa.eu/vpHfbm
As of today, the EU begins closing the tap on Russian gas for good.
Imports under short- or long-term liquified natural gas (LNG) and pipeline gas contracts concluded, or amended, after 17 June 2025 are now prohibited.
More 👉 https://link.europa.eu/TKvQ4X
Behind every crisis, there are human lives.
We're delivering €458 million in humanitarian aid to support people in:
🔹 Syria: €210 million for emergency response and protection.
🔹 Palestine: €124 million for food, health, and education.
🔹 Lebanon: €100 million for medical supplies and basic assistance.
🔹 Jordan: €15.5 million for essential services and refugee support.
🔹 Egypt: €8 million for multi-sectoral assistance to the most vulnerable.
From medical supplies to education, we're working with our partners so that no one is left behind 👇
link.europa.eu/3yxPcB