EU President Ursula von der Leyen Supports Ukraine with €1.9 Billion Amid Conflict
The European Union has provided €1.9 billion to Ukraine to help keep the state running during its conflict with Russia. EU President Ursula von der Leyen said the fund is aimed at supporting Ukraine as they fight for freedom. She called the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine a historic moment, affirming that Kyiv will find its rightful place in the Union.
Earlier this week, the EU began accession talks with both Ukraine and Moldova after receiving approval from the bloc’s 27 member states, despite opposition from Hungary. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has accelerated the EU’s expansion efforts. Ukraine applied to join the EU shortly after the invasion in February 2022, followed by Moldova.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed that these are historic moments and that Ukraine will always be part of a united Europe. The accession process involves screening how well the countries’ laws comply with EU standards and negotiating on 35 subjects, including taxation and environmental policy. Progress is unlikely in the next six months as Hungary will hold the EU’s rotating presidency.
