EU steps up support for Ukraine's defence, recovery and reconstruction at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026

At the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026, co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine in Gdańsk, President von der Leyen reaffirmed that the European Union will continue to stand firmly by Ukraine, supporting its reforms, strengthening its institutions, and helping build a resilient and prosperous future. Just ten days after the historic decision to open the first cluster of Ukraine's accession negotiations, the conference marked another step in the European Union's support for Ukraine's recovery, defence and reconstruction.

In her opening speech, President von der Leyen announced the first disbursement of €3.2 billion in budgetary support under the macro-financial assistance of the €90bn Ukraine Support Loan, as well as the first instalment of the €6bn defence package to support drone procurement to be disbursed in the coming days.

In addition, throughout the conference, the Commission signed agreements worth over €1.1bn in new financing under the Ukraine Investment Framework with our implementing partners, such as the European Investment Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, to support recovery, reconstruction and strategic investments across the country. The Commission has also launched the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, the largest equity fund dedicated to Ukraine's recovery.  

President von der Leyen said: “The prosperous Ukraine of tomorrow requires massive investment today. That's why we are helping cities and towns to rebuild. We are supporting the resilience of the energy sector. We are providing financing to businesses, including in frontline regions. Our ambition is not only to help Ukraine endure, it is to help Ukraine grow and prosper as a free and European country. The message to investors is simple – when you invest in Ukraine, you invest in the future of Europe.”

Commissioner for the Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification, Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, and Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva also participated in the conference.

Investing in Ukraine's economy

Building on the commitment made at last year's Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, the Commission is launching the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, thereby creating the largest equity fund dedicated to Ukraine's reconstruction. Established under a Team Europe approach, the Fund is backed by the European Commission through the European Investment Bank, together with France, Germany, Italy and Poland. With an initial capital of €220 million, including the Commission contribution under the Ukraine Investment Framework of €160 million, the Fund is projected to leverage up to €7bn in investments for large-scale infrastructure, productive industries and other projects critical to Ukraine's economic recovery.

Overall, the Commission is stepping up investment in Ukraine through agreements worth more than €1.1bn signed under the Ukraine Investment Framework. These will unlock investment in sectors that are essential to Ukraine's recovery, resilience and long-term growth. Other investments included:

• Scaling up investments in dual-use technologies and defence industry: €343 million in grants and guarantees will support large-scale private sector projects in strategic areas, such anti-drone systems, unmanned ground vehicles, aviation, advanced navigation, communication technologies and other strategic industries.
• Rebuilding cities and communities: €478 million in grants and guarantees will support municipal infrastructure projects, including healthcare facilities, affordable housing, energy efficiency, water management and other essential public services.
• Strengthening energy security and green transition: €100 million in guarantees will help stabilise Ukraine's energy system, restore renewable energy capacity and improve energy efficiency.

With today's agreements, total EU commitments under the Ukraine Investment Framework reach €8.5 billion and are expected to mobilise nearly €26 billion in public and private investment.

Supporting small businesses

To support small businesses in Ukraine, the Commission also announced €500 million in new lending operations, facilitated by Ukrgasbank and PrivatBank in cooperation with the European Investment Bank and backed by guarantees under the Ukraine Investment Framework. The financing will support Ukrainian small and medium-sized enterprises, including start-ups and businesses employing veterans, internally displaced persons and other groups particularly affected by Russia's war of aggression.

Background

The Ukraine Recovery Conference, co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine, took place in Gdańsk on 25-26 June 2026. This annual conference brought together governments, international organisations, financial institutions, businesses and civil society to mobilise support for Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction and long-term resilience.

Since the start of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU and its Member States have provided €211.3 billion in overall support to Ukraine and Ukrainians.

For more information

EU solidarity with Ukraine

Ukraine Investment Framework

Ukraine Recovery Conference

Ukraine Facility

Economy, finance and the euro

EU enlargement

Foreign affairs and security policy

Defence

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