News item | 01-02-2024 | 17:03
On February 1, 2024, all 27 EU countries agreed on a €50 billion aid package for Ukraine. This is what the new support exactly means:
Why is support for Ukraine important?
Support is needed so that Ukraine can continue to defend itself against Russia. That is important for the future of everyone in Ukraine. But also for the safety of the whole of Europe, including the Netherlands. And that is why EU countries continue to support Ukraine. With this financial support package, but also with military support and by imposing sanctions on Russia. As long as necessary. To stop Russian aggression. The Netherlands also supports, for example, research into violations of human rights and humanitarian law.
What is the additional €50 billion in support intended for?
The €50 billion is an additional support package from the EU for the period 2024-2027. The aid is mainly intended to keep Ukraine’s economy running. Think of recovery and reconstruction, but also, for example, to pay the salaries of hospital staff or civil servants. This is necessary so that Ukraine can survive economically and socially and thus continue the struggle.
Part of the €50 billion can also be used to support Ukraine in the reforms the country needs to implement for the EU accession process.
The EU reached an agreement on the aid package on Thursday, February 1, 2024, during a meeting of the European Council. The amount is possible through an adjustment in the EU’s multi-year budget up to and including 2027.
What will the Netherlands contribute?
Part of the €50 billion – €33 billion – consists of loans to Ukraine. The support package requires an additional €17 billion and will be distributed among the 27 EU member states. All EU countries contribute proportionately to this. For the Netherlands this is 5.9%: approximately €250 million per year until 2027.
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What is the European Council?
The European Council brings together the leaders of all 27 EU countries. To meet about the EU’s most important plans, agreements and topics. The European Council itself does not adopt laws, but it does determine the course of the EU. Prime Minister Rutte participates on behalf of the Netherlands.
Normally the European Council meets four times a year. But an additional (extraordinary) meeting was organized for the discussions on this support package for Ukraine.
How does the Netherlands support Ukraine?
The Netherlands supports Ukraine with weapons, training, equipment and other materials that the Ukrainian troops need to defend their country. View the overview of military support.
The Netherlands also supports Ukraine with money for humanitarian aid, reconstruction, medicine and goods, assistance to victims, and research into violations of humanitarian law. View the overview of non-military support. The Netherlands provides most of the financial assistance, such as this new support package, via the EU.