EU declares largest global Ukraine support package of $200 billion
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The EU has committed over €170 billion to support Ukraine’s war effort, a move framed as vital for European security but criticized for fueling domestic economic strain amid rising energy costs.
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President of the European Council Antonio Costa delivers his speech during the annual Bled Strategic Forum gathering in Bled, Slovenia, Monday, Sept. 1, 2025 (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
European Council President Antonio Costa announced on Monday that the European Union has mobilized more than €170 billion ($200 billion) in support for Ukraine since the outbreak of the conflict.
Speaking at the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia, Costa described the assistance as essential to preserving Kiev's sovereignty.
"Our support has helped Ukraine to remain sovereign for more than three years of war. Together with our member states, the EU has mobilized over 170 billion [euros], the largest contribution from any global donor supporting Ukraine's defense, economy, energy grid and institutions. Our security is tied to Ukraine's resilience," Costa stated.
Costly Aid
The announcement comes after the EU Delegation to the United States reported that Brussels and individual member states together have committed nearly $186 billion in assistance since February 2022.
The package encompasses military equipment, direct financial transfers, energy stabilization measures, and institutional support.
Western leaders frame these commitments as vital for European security, but the scale of spending has fueled growing debate within the bloc.
Critics argue that redirecting vast sums abroad has coincided with a cost-of-living crisis at home, worsened by the rupture of energy ties with Russia.
The decision to phase out Russian gas supplies drove up energy prices across the continent, hitting the European working class through higher household bills and inflationary pressures.
Protests over living costs erupted in several EU states as industries reliant on cheap energy, such as steel and chemicals, faced cutbacks and layoffs.
Read more: Germany loses 245,000 industry jobs as exports to US, China sink
Meanwhile, Russia continues to denounce Western military assistance, insisting that arms shipments "obstruct settlement" and draw NATO deeper into the conflict.
Moscow has warned that convoys carrying weapons bound for Ukraine will be treated as legitimate military targets.
