The European Union has launched a written procedure to approve amendments to its long-term budget for 2021–2027, which includes a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and the adoption of a 20th sanctions package against Russia.
European Pravda reported this, citing diplomatic sources in the EU.
Budget and sanctions approval: how the EU procedure works
The EU is advancing two major decisions in parallel: long-term financial support for Ukraine and new sanctions pressure on Russia. The €90 billion loan forms part of the Union’s multiannual budget framework aimed at stabilizing Ukraine’s economy during the war.
Ambassadors of all 27 EU member states have already given political approval to both measures. The EU has now launched a written procedure, during which each country must either sign the document or formally explain its objection.
The process lasts 24 hours and can conclude earlier if all states agree. Once completed, both decisions become formally adopted.
At the same time, several countries have raised political conditions:
- Slovakia says it will support sanctions only after the restoration of Russian oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline;
- Hungary links its support for the Ukraine loan to the same condition regarding oil supplies.
Officials expect final approval may take until at least April 23.
Context
EU leaders politically agreed on the €90 billion assistance package for Ukraine in December 2025. However, full disbursement requires unanimous approval from all member states.
Hungary has consistently blocked the decision, arguing it will not support the package until Ukraine restores oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline, which was damaged during a major Russian strike.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Baltic and Northern European countries are considering up to €30 billion in bilateral loans for Ukraine if Hungary and Slovakia continue blocking the EU-wide €90 billion package.
