Brussels, 9 April 2025
The 10th meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council took place in Brussels under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, and discussed political matters and bilateral relations.
During a restricted session the EU and Ukraine exchanged views on the situation following Russia’s war of aggression, focusing on the military, economic and humanitarian situation on the ground and the response to Russia’s war.
They then touched on wider global and regional issues.
Lastly, participants exchanged views on the bilateral agenda, touching on:
- the implementation of the Association Agreement since the start of Russia’s war of aggression
- the issue of reconstruction and reforms in Ukraine, and
- EU financial assistance
The meeting was chaired by Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine and the Delegation of the EU was headed by Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos participated in the meeting on behalf of the European Commission.
A Joint press release was issued after the meeting:
- Joint press release following the 10th Association Council meeting between the EU and Ukraine (press release, 9 April 2025)
- Ukraine (background information)
On 9th April, the European Union and Ukraine held the 10th meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council in Brussels under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement.
The Association Council reiterated its condemnation in the strongest possible terms of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter. The EU commended the courage and determination of the Ukrainian people and its leadership in their fight to defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and freedom of Ukraine. The EU underlined its unwavering commitment to help Ukraine exercise its inherent right of self-defence against the Russian aggression and to build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future.
The Association Council recalled the EU’s objective to support Ukraine to reach a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law. It welcomed the outcome of the US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia, including the proposal for a ceasefire agreement. The Council stressed that the proposal of a ceasefire – if accepted by Russia – can be an important step in this direction and that it is now for Russia to show its willingness to achieve peace. The Council recalled that indiscriminate attacks are prohibited under international humanitarian law, and if they amount to attacks directed against civilians they may constitute war crimes. The Council stressed that recent Russia’s brutal attack against residential neigbourhood in Kryvyi Rih that killed 20 people, including 9 children, may constitute a grave violation of the international humanitarian law and could amount to war crimes. The EU stressed that it is ready to play its full part in supporting the upcoming steps, together with Ukraine, the United States and other partners.
The Association Council welcomed the overall support provided to Ukraine by the EU and its Member States of almost EUR 144 billion since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including EUR 49.6 billion of military assistance. It welcomed also the training provided for the Ukrainian Armed Forces by the EU Military Assistance Mission, which has trained 73,000 Ukrainian troops so far.
The Council welcomed the continued financial assistance delivered through EU instruments. In this regard, it welcomed the disbursement of the third regular payment of nearly EUR 3.5 billion in 2025 under the Ukraine Facility, bringing total support under the Facility to approximately EUR 19.6 billion since its launch in March 2024. It also welcomed the disbursement of the third tranche of EUR 1 billionin macro-financial assistance under the ERA loan in 2025, bringing the total ERA support to Ukraine in 2025 to EUR 5 billion. Ukraine emphasized the key role of EU financial assistance in supporting its resilience and recovery.
Ukraine welcomed the decision of the G7 to approve a $50 billion loan for Ukraine in 2025 as a crucial step, and highlighted the EU’s leadership in international efforts to support Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Ukraine expressed its appreciation for the sixteen packages of EU restrictive measures and the Council reiterated that work will continue on sanctions, including by strengthening their implementation and preventing circumvention, and by adopting further sanctions.
The Council stressed that subject to EU law, Russian assets should remain immobilised until Russia ceases its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates it for the damage caused by this war.
The EU reiterated its determination to address Ukraine’s pressing military and defence needs including the delivery of ammunition and missiles, and its commitment to bolster Ukraine’s ability to defend its independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Association Council highlighted the strategic importance of intensifying work to further support and develop Ukraine’s defence industry and to deepen its cooperation with the EU Defence industry, cooperation which has to be in line with modalities to be agreed and has to take into account the security and defence interests of all Member States, in accordance with the Treaties. The EU underlined that in line with Joint Security commitments between EU and Ukraine it remained committed to contributing, for the long term and together with partners, to sustainable support for Ukraine’s security and defence , which will help Ukraine to defend itself, deter acts of aggression and resists destabilisation efforts in the future. The Association Council welcomed the opening of the EU Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv in September 2024 and the work towards its extension.
The Association Council stressed the firm commitment that Russia and its leadership must be held fully accountable for waging a war of aggression against Ukraine, and other most serious crimes under international law. The Association Council welcomed the agreement between legal experts on the technical documents, laying the foundation for the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
The Association Council emphasised the historic decision of the European Council of December 2023 to open EU accession negotiations with Ukraine. It recalled that the Council adopted the respective negotiating framework with Ukraine at the first Intergovernmental Conference on 25 June 2024 and that the European Council on 17 December 2024 reaffirmed its full and unequivocal commitment to the EU membership perspective of Ukraine. It welcomed the completion of the bilateral screening meetings of three clusters, looks forward to its conclusion and to the next steps in Ukraine’s accession process by opening clusters, starting with the fundamentals cluster as soon as possible, when the conditions are met. Ukraine has reiterated its unwavering commitment to implement all opening benchmarks as provided by the negotiating framework immediately after the request of the EU side. The Council encourages Ukraine to continue on its path of reforms, which the EU will continue to support. The future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union.
Despite the ongoing war, trade between Ukraine and the EU has continued growing. The Association Council took note of the state of play of implementation of the Association Agreement and agreed to maximise the opportunities it offers to accelerate the gradual integration into selected EU policies, already before accession, in those sectors where Ukraine is set to achieve full regulatory alignment. Ukraine reaffirmed the importance of rule-based trade as well as keeping the scope and dynamics of trade between EU and Ukraine, which is highly beneficial for both sides. Ukraine is looking forward to the review of DCFTA under article 29(4) as soon as possible as well as working out bridging solutions in view of the expiration of the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATM).
This also concerns in particular the launch of the assessment for the conclusion of an Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of industrial products (ACAA) for three sectors, which could in the future be expanded to other strategic sectors once Ukraine full aligns with the EU legislation; the progress towards granting of internal market treatment for roaming; and the acceleration of preparations by Ukraine to apply to join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) scheme. The Association Council underlined the importance of the EU-Ukraine road transport agreement to facilitate bilateral trade, and welcomed the Joint Committee’s decision on smart tachograph recognition – a step that will further improve transport connectivity.
The Association Council welcomed Ukraine’s steady progress in implementing reforms under the Ukraine Plan, particularly in the areas of rule of law, judiciary and public administration, and encouraged Ukraine to continue decisively on this path, which is key for strengthening Ukraine’s resilience and brings it closer to EU membership.
The Association Council welcomed progress towards the establishment of the new Public Administration Reform Sub-committee under the Association Agreement and the Joint Consultative Committee between Ukraine and the European Committee of the Regions. These two bodies will foster closer cooperation between the EU and Ukraine on key governance reforms, particularly in public administration and decentralisation.
The Association Council welcomed Ukraine’s signature of the Joint Procurement Agreement for medical countermeasures.
The Association Council acknowledged the EU-Ukraine cooperation on space and welcomed the ambition of Ukraine to be ever closer associated to the Union Space Programme. It welcomed the signing of the agreement on participation of Ukraine in the Copernicus component, the Space Weather Events and Near-Earth Objects sub-components of the Union Space Programme.
The EU highlighted the contribution of the EU Advisory Mission in Ukraine to support Ukraine’s civilian security sector reform in line with the EU accession agenda, accountability efforts, as well as law enforcement in liberated and adjacent territories.
The meeting was chaired by Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine and the Delegation of the EU was headed by Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos participated in the meeting on behalf of the European Commission.
Source – EU Council: Visit the meeting page
EU Commission: EU reaffirms unwavering support for Ukraine
Today, the European Union is taking a series of steps to further bolster its support for Ukraine.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: “Our commitment to Ukraine is firm as ever. We work across the board to strengthen the country and support a just and lasting peace on Ukraine’s terms. Today’s disbursement and agreements are also an investment in a shared common future. We are backing Ukraine’s impressive reform efforts and deepening our ties—from space, security and defence to building a thriving business environment. Ми з вами. We are with you.”
Additional €1 billion of support under G7 loan
The European Commission has disbursed an additional €1 billion tranche of its exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) loan to Ukraine, to be repaid with proceeds from immobilised Russian State assets in the EU, reinforcing the EU’s role as the largest donor since the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine. This payment brings the total MFA disbursements to Ukraine to €5 billion.
The EU’s €18.1 billion MFA forms part of the G7-led Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) initiative, which aims to provide around €45 billion in support to Ukraine. This funding addresses Ukraine’s urgent budgetary needs, which have grown due to Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. It will help Ukraine sustain military and reconstruction efforts, including the repair of critical infrastructure like energy, water, and transport systems.
The Commission stands ready to frontload the remaining MFA funds in line with the country’s needs, as called for by the European leaders in the Special European Council in early March.
EU to deliver €2.1 billion in revenue from immobilised assets to be used for support to Ukraine
This week the Commission will receive €2.1 billion due in windfall profits generated from immobilised assets of the Russian Central Bank, held by the Central Securities Depositories. The receipt of this amount will mark the second transfer of its kind, following a first tranche delivered in July 2024. It covers revenues accumulated during the second half of 2024.
These funds come from assets of the Russian Central Bank which are immobilised under EU sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. While the assets themselves remain blocked, the extraordinary revenues they generate over time are used to support Ukraine. The proceeds from this tranche will be channelled via the European Peace Facility (EPF), as agreed by the Council in 2024, and the Ukraine Facility to help strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities and contribute to the country’s recovery and reconstruction.
This measure is part of the EU’s continued commitment to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. Subsequent tranches will be provided to Ukraine principally to enable it to ensure the repayment of the funds it receives from the G7-led Extraordinary ERA initiative, while a limited portion will continue to be channelled through the EPF.
Tenth meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council
Today, the tenth meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council is taking place in Brussels. It will discuss political matters and bilateral relations.
During a restricted session, the EU and Ukraine will exchange views on the situation following Russia’s war of aggression, focusing on the military, economic and humanitarian situation on the ground and the response to Russia’s war.
They will then touch on wider global and regional issues. The meeting will also be the opportunity to discuss more on topics on the bilateral agenda. These include the implementation of the Association Agreement, since the start of Russia’s war of aggression; the issue of reconstruction and reforms in Ukraine; and the EU financial assistance.
The meeting will be chaired by Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine and the Delegation of the EU will be headed by Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Five new EU-Ukraine agreements were signed today
In the margins of the Association Council between Ukraine and the EU, five agreements were signed today.
These include three finance contracts worth €300 million between the European Investment Bank and Ukraine, supporting key operations that address Ukraine’s most pressing recovery needs. The funding will empower local actors to swiftly rebuild essential infrastructure such as water systems and energy-efficient facilities, alleviating pressure on government administration while ensuring effective delivery. Backed by the European Union through the Ukraine Facility, these projects reflect our steadfast commitment to Ukraine’s recovery and long-term resilience. They will deliver tangible benefits to people and businesses across the country at a time when they are most needed.
In addition, the Commission signed an agreement on Ukraine’s participation in the Copernicus component, as well as in the Space Weather Events and Near-Earth Object sub-components of the EU Space Programme. This agreement will bring significant benefits to Ukraine—for example, access to the future Space Weather service, which will protect Ukrainian satellites from disruptions caused by space weather events. It also plays a crucial role in post-war damage assessment and reconstruction, as the EU Space Programme includes some of the most advanced space technologies.
Ukraine also signed the agreement on the procure medical countermeasures against serious cross-border health threats, which allows all signatories, including the EU and other candidate countries, to jointly procure medical countermeasures. Ukraine will gain faster, more equitable, and often more affordable access to essential medicines and medical products, ensuring protection for their citizens and patients in times of health emergencies.
EU-Ukraine Business Summit
A major business summit co-hosted by the European Commission, the Ukrainian government, the Polish Presidency of the EU Council, and Italy, will also take place tomorrow and Friday. The EU-Ukraine Business Summit aims to support Ukraine’s reconstruction and reform efforts, with over 700 stakeholders attending to discuss ways to strengthen the country’s business climate and unlock investment.
On this occasion, European Commissioner Marta Kos and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal will launch a new EU-Ukraine Business Partnership. This initiative seeks to deepen economic ties between the EU and Ukraine, accelerating the country’s recovery and supporting its path to EU accession and integration into the EU Single Market.
During this event, the European Commission will also announce a new call for expressions of interest, encouraging EU companies to invest in Ukraine’s reconstruction. The call will be open until October 10, 2025, and will include opportunities for joint ventures with Ukrainian partners. A press conference with Commissioner Marta Kos, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna, and Minister for European Union of Poland Adam Szłapka will take place on 10 April from 10:20 to 10:50, broadcast live on EBS+.
*Updated on 9 April 2025 at 16:45 CEST.
Quote(s)
Our commitment to Ukraine is firm as ever. We work across the board to strengthen the country and support a just and lasting peace on Ukraine’s terms. Today’s disbursement and agreements are also an investment in a shared common future. We are backing Ukraine’s impressive reform efforts and deepening our ties—from space, security and defence to building a thriving business environment. Ми з вами. We are with you.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
While the EU helps Ukraine defend itself from Russia’s aggression, we are supporting the country at every step on its accession path. From creating opportunities to connect the EU and Ukrainian business sectors, to bringing Ukraine into important EU programmes such as Copernicus, our relationship is only getting closer. Even in the midst of war, Ukraine has shown time and again its dedication to putting the work in. Today it is as clear as ever where Ukraine’s future lies.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission
The EU continues to provide the financial support Ukraine needs to continue its fight for survival in the face of Russia’s brutal aggression. Today, we make the next €1 billion payment under the G7-led Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loans initiative. The EU has now provided Ukraine with €5 billion as part of its overall €18.1 billion contribution under this initiative. It also ensures that Russia pays for its aggression by using the proceeds of immobilised Russian state assets to repay the loans provided. Together with EIB Group, we also provided today a further €300 million to address Ukraine’s urgent recovery and reconstruction needs.
Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification
I am delighted to sign today with the Ukrainian Ambassador to the EU, Mr. Vsevolod Chentsov, the EU-Ukraine Agreement on participation of Ukraine in the following components of the Union Space Programme: Copernicus, Space Weather Events and Near-Earth Objects. The implementation of this Agreement will benefit Ukrainians across different sectors, including agriculture, energy or urban planning, offering ultimately an important potential contributing to recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine. It will foster further cooperation and synergies while building on Ukrainian solid expertise in space technology. We are opening a new chapter of our cooperation in space activities, for which I and my team are excited about and are looking forward to work closely together.
Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space
The EU-Ukraine Business Summit marks another step in our united response to Russia’s aggression and in reaffirming the European Union’s resolute commitment to Ukraine’s recovery, resilience, and European future. By launching the EU-Ukraine Business Partnership and convening key public and private stakeholders, we are mobilising strategic investment and laying the groundwork for Ukraine’s integration into the EU Single Market. Today’s signing of important EIB loans under the Ukraine Facility sends a clear signal: the EU is not only standing with Ukraine politically and militarily, but we are backing that support with real financial firepower. This is about more than reconstruction: it is about anchoring Ukraine firmly within the European family and accelerating its path to EU accession.
Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement
Source – EU Commission
EIB Group President Calviño and Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal accelerate support to Ukraine with new projects restoring vital services
9 April 2025
- Finance contracts have been signed for three new public sector projects worth €300 million under the European Union’s Ukraine Facility.
- Today’s signing follows the guarantee agreement approved just a month ago with the European Commission unlocking €2 billion of EIB investments for Ukraine.
- This new financing addresses the country’s urgent recovery needs for water facilities; district heating; and reconstruction of social infrastructure, such as schools, housing and hospitals.
- These agreements build on the €2.2 billion in emergency and recovery support that the EIB Group has already provided to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Today, EIB President Nadia Calviño, Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met to accelerate support for Ukraine with the implementation of three new EIB projects worth €300 million. The meeting and signing took place at the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels, with the participation of EU High Representative and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas, Commissioners Marta Kos and Valdis Dombrovskis. The financing, signed today, is backed by guarantees under the EU’s Ukraine Facility and supports Ukraine’s recovery efforts, including the restoration of essential public infrastructure and services. It follows the guarantee agreement approved just month ago with the European Commission unlocking €2 billion of investments.
These new projects build on the EIB Group’s numerous programmes across the country, reinforcing critical infrastructure such as heating and water to ensure the delivery of essential municipal services and support the functioning of the economy. Communities and households across Ukraine – particularly those affected by the destruction of key infrastructure such as the Kakhovka Dam – will benefit directly from these investments.
As highlighted during President Calviño’s visit to Kyiv in February, this €300 million investment will help to rebuild social and municipal facilities affected by the war and to improve access to heating, water and sanitation. The package includes:
- €100 million for the Ukraine Recovery III project
- €100 million for the Ukraine Water Recovery project
- €100 million for the Ukraine District Heating Ukreximbank project
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said: “I am grateful to the European Investment Bank for its substantial support of the Ukrainian Government’s efforts to ensure the rapid recovery of our country. This is not only about rebuilding what has been destroyed, but also about creating modern, resilient, and energy-efficient infrastructure. Each of the projects launched today is an investment in the development of Ukrainian communities, the stability of our economy, and the secure European future of our nation.”
EIB President Nadia Calviño said: “Just one month ago, we signed a guarantee agreement with the European Commission to unlock €2 billion of support under the EU’s Ukraine Facility. And already today, we have signed three new projects with the Ukrainian government: for water, district heating, and municipal infrastructure — for schools, hospitals, and housing for internally displaced people. This is Europe at its best, speeding up support to reinforce our collective security and strong partnerships.”
“These investments will help ensure that schools, social housing, hospitals, heating, water and energy infrastructure continue to function for millions of Ukrainians despite the challenges of war. Together with our EU partners, we are working to deliver concrete support where it is needed most,” added EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska, who oversees the Bank’s operations in Ukraine.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said: “The European Union’s support for Ukraine is a cornerstone of our broader approach to European security and resilience. By backing EIB investments through the Ukraine Facility, we are enabling the swift reconstruction of essential infrastructure, from schools and hospitals to energy. These efforts are not just about recovery; they are a strategic investment in a secure and democratic Ukraine on its EU path. Ukraine’s reconstruction is Europe’s responsibility, and part of our shared future.”
European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification Valdis Dombrovskis said: “The European Commission and the EIB Group continue to work together to deliver crucial support to Ukraine and its people in the face of Russia’s brutal, full-scale invasion. Today’s agreements will provide a further €300 million in financing to address Ukraine’s urgent recovery and reconstruction needs. This includes repairing critical infrastructure and ensuring essential public services like water and heating are maintained. This sends a clear signal that the EU is delivering on its commitments to Ukraine and its people.”
Rebuilding social infrastructure and essential services
The €100 million Ukraine Recovery III project will help to rehabilitate critical social infrastructure in over 100 communities across Ukraine. It will provide access to essential services including healthcare, education, social housing, water supply, sewerage and heating.
Improving access to safe water and sanitation
The €100 million Ukraine Water Recovery project will provide financing to repair and modernise water supply and wastewater treatment systems damaged by the war. Many communities across Ukraine have experienced severe disruptions to their access to safe drinking water and sanitation. This investment will help restore and secure access to clean water and essential sanitation services, contributing to better living conditions and public health for millions of Ukrainians.
Ensuring reliable district heating services in Ukraine
The €100 million Ukraine District Heating Ukreximbank project will be implemented in cooperation with Ukreximbank, which will act as an intermediary bank for on-lending to local authorities. The project will help to restore and improve district heating infrastructure across Ukraine. Investments will focus on decentralised heat generation, renewable energy solutions, and energy efficiency in public buildings. The project will enable outdated or damaged heat generation facilities to be restored and protected quickly to guarantee the supply of critical services during the winter and to improve Ukraine’s energy security.
“Ukreximbank’s ongoing partnership with the European Investment Bank, particularly through the Ukraine District Heating project, directly addresses the urgent need to boost energy efficiency in municipalities in order to lead them towards energy decentralisation and to enhance reliance on renewable energy sources. We are grateful for the EIB’s unwavering support for Ukraine and decades-long partnership with Ukreximbank in delivering large-scale social impact projects,” said Chairman of Ukreximbank’s Management Board Viktor Ponomarenko.
The EIB in Ukraine
The EIB Group has supported Ukraine’s resilience, economy and recovery efforts since the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, with €2.2 billion already disbursed since 2022. The Bank continues to focus on securing Ukraine’s energy supply, restoring damaged infrastructure and maintaining essential public services across the country. Under a guarantee agreement signed with the European Commission, the EIB is set to invest at least €2 billion more in urgent recovery and reconstruction. This funding is part of the European Union’s €50 billion Ukraine Facility for 2024–2027 and is fully aligned with the priorities of the Ukrainian government.
Related pages
Source – EIB