The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group welcomes today’s decision by the Council to unlock the €90 billion loan for Ukraine, strengthening the country’s economic stability and its capacity to defend itself in the face of Russia’s continued war of aggression.

For the ECR Group, sustained and credible support for Ukraine is not only a matter of solidarity, but a fundamental investment in Europe’s own security. Strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities, ensuring macro-financial stability and maintaining pressure on Russia remain essential to restoring peace and safeguarding the rules-based international order.

Reinis Pozņaks, ECR Coordinator in the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE), said:

“Ukraine is defending its freedom and, at the same time, the security of our entire continent. Today’s decision strengthens Ukraine’s ability to hold the line. We must now ensure that this support is delivered swiftly and effectively, and that it reinforces Ukraine’s position on the ground.

“Europe must remain focused and determined. Supporting Ukraine, maintaining pressure on Putin’s Regime and reinforcing our own security are not separate tasks. They are part of the same strategic responsibility.

“Long-term support for Ukraine must go hand in hand with strengthening Europe’s industrial and defence base. Assistance of this scale needs to be strategic, effective and sustainable, ensuring that Europe can uphold its security commitments over time.

“Europe must also ensure that this support strengthens its own strategic autonomy. Supporting Ukraine cannot come at the expense of our industrial competitiveness or long-term resilience. We need a framework that delivers for Ukraine while reinforcing Europe’s capacity to act decisively in the years ahead.”