Von der Leyen: EU will deliver on its commitments on EUR 90B loan for Ukraine

She said this in her address at the EU Ambassadors Conference 2026 in Brussels on Monday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

Von der Leyen described Ukraine as "a proud European nation that continues to fight for our freedoms, both as a future member of our Union and as Europe's first line of defense."

"My message here is clear: Europe will always stand with Ukraine – no matter what is happening elsewhere. We all want this horror and bloodshed to end. And no one wants peace more than the people of Ukraine," she said.

At the same time, von der Leyen noted that the war must end "in a way that does not sow the seeds for future conflicts," adding that the EU continues to work toward this goal together with Ukraine and other partners "to deliver real long-term security for Ukraine so that we can secure a full, just and lasting peace."

She also emphasized the urgent need for sustained financial support for Ukraine.

"This is why we proposed an EUR 90 billion loan to finance Ukraine's needs. You have all seen the challenges we have faced in getting this over the line – even after all 27 Leaders have agreed to it," von der Leyen said, adding that questions have arisen about whether the European decision-making system remains effective.

"But I can assure you that we will deliver on our commitments, because our credibility – and more importantly, our security – is at stake. For us, this is paramount and crystal clear. We will deliver this EUR 90 billion loan," she said.

Von der Leyen added that the same logic also applies to the issue of EU enlargement.

"There has been much debate on how we deliver in a timely manner on this merits-based process. But it is of paramount importance that we get ready – by bringing the Western Balkans, Moldova and Ukraine closer to our Union already now. Enlargement is not about ideology – it is a matter of European common interest and security. And we must be ready to deliver as soon as the time comes," she said.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine