BRUSSELS – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the European Union's unwavering commitment to Ukraine on Monday, emphasizing that the war-torn nation will receive substantial support to navigate the challenges of the upcoming winter. In a post on the US-based social media platform X, von der Leyen stated, "Good call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Dear President, Ukraine will not face this winter alone."
The statement followed a telephone conversation between von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which the two leaders discussed critical issues related to energy security, financial aid, and Ukraine's ongoing path toward European integration. Von der Leyen's assurance comes at a pivotal moment, as Ukraine grapples with extensive damage to its energy infrastructure caused by prolonged Russian missile and drone attacks, which have intensified in recent months.
The European Commission President highlighted the EU's immediate actions to bolster Ukraine's energy resilience. "We stand with Ukraine by providing emergency energy support to help the country through the coming months," she wrote. This support includes the delivery of generators, transformers, and other essential equipment to repair and stabilize Ukraine's power grid. According to EU officials, more than 10,000 generators have already been dispatched to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, with additional shipments planned for the winter period.
Energy shortages have become a pressing concern for Ukrainian civilians and industries alike. Russian strikes have targeted thermal power plants, hydroelectric facilities, and transmission lines, resulting in widespread blackouts. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported in October that Ukraine had lost approximately 50% of its pre-war electricity generation capacity. In response, the EU has mobilized its Energy Support Fund for Ukraine, which has raised over €500 million to date. Contributions from member states, private donors, and international partners are being used to procure high-voltage equipment and fund rapid repairs.
Beyond immediate emergency aid, von der Leyen underscored the bloc's efforts to secure long-term financial stability for Ukraine. "At the same time, we are working on options to ensure the necessary sustained financial assistance to Ukraine," she added. This includes proposals to utilize frozen Russian assets held in European banks to generate revenue for Ukraine's reconstruction and defense needs. The G7 leaders, during their summit in June, agreed in principle to provide Ukraine with a $50 billion loan backed by profits from these immobilized assets, estimated at around €3 billion annually.
The European Commission is also preparing to disburse the next tranche of macro-financial assistance under the Ukraine Facility, a €50 billion program spanning 2024 to 2027. This facility combines grants and loans to support Ukraine's budget, reforms, and investment projects. To date, €7.9 billion has been disbursed in 2024, with further payments contingent on Ukraine meeting specific reform milestones, including anti-corruption measures and judicial reforms.
In a significant nod to Ukraine's European aspirations, von der Leyen announced that the European Commission will adopt its annual Enlargement Package on Tuesday. This comprehensive report evaluates the progress of candidate countries, including Ukraine, Moldova, and several Western Balkan nations. "The Commission's message is clear: Ukraine is ready to move forward," von der Leyen declared, commending Ukraine's "remarkable commitment to its European path over the past year."
Ukraine's journey toward EU membership has been remarkably swift given the circumstances of an active war. The country formally applied for membership on February 28, 2022, just four days after Russia's full-scale invasion. In a display of solidarity, EU leaders granted Ukraine candidate status on June 23, 2022 – a decision that typically takes years. Accession negotiations were officially opened on December 14, 2023, following the European Council's approval.
The first intergovernmental conference, marking the formal start of talks, was held on June 25, 2024, in Luxembourg. During this conference, the EU outlined the negotiation framework, focusing on 33 chapters covering areas such as the rule of law, economy, and alignment with EU acquis communautaire. Ukrainian negotiators, led by Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna, have been screening domestic legislation against EU standards in clusters like fundamentals, internal market, and competitiveness.
Despite these advancements, the path to full membership remains complex and protracted. Accession requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states, and negotiations can span a decade or more, as seen with previous enlargements. Ukraine has made notable progress in key areas: it adopted a new law on national minorities in December 2023 to address concerns raised by Hungary, advanced judicial reforms by restarting the High Council of Justice, and implemented anti-oligarch measures.
However, challenges persist. The European Commission's upcoming Enlargement Package is expected to acknowledge Ukraine's efforts while pointing to areas needing further improvement, such as corruption eradication, media freedom, and decentralization. Independent assessments by think tanks like the Carnegie Europe have praised Ukraine's resilience but warned that wartime conditions complicate thorough reforms.
Discussions among EU member states on the pace and conditions of Ukraine's accession continue to reveal divisions. Slovakia and Hungary have frequently expressed opposition or skepticism. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has repeatedly blocked or delayed EU aid packages to Ukraine, citing concerns over the treatment of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine's Zakarpattia region. In July 2024, Hungary assumed the rotating EU Council presidency and initially attempted to slow down Ukraine-related decisions, though it ultimately relented under pressure from other members.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who returned to power in October 2023, has echoed pro-Russian sentiments and questioned the efficacy of military aid to Ukraine. In September 2024, Slovakia announced it would halt electricity exports to Ukraine starting in 2025 unless compensated, exacerbating Kyiv's energy woes. These positions contrast sharply with the strong support from Baltic states, Poland, and Nordic countries, which advocate for accelerated integration.
EU diplomats indicate that while no member state currently blocks the negotiation process outright, the unanimity requirement means that any single country could veto progress at later stages, such as chapter closures or final accession. To mitigate this, the European Commission is emphasizing a merit-based approach, where advancement depends on reforms rather than political timelines.
Von der Leyen's statements on Monday also reflect broader geopolitical dynamics. With the US presidential election looming and uncertainty over future American support for Ukraine, the EU is stepping up its role as the primary backer. Since 2022, the EU and its member states have provided over €100 billion in military, financial, and humanitarian assistance – surpassing US contributions in non-military aid.
Looking ahead, the Enlargement Package will set the tone for the next phase of talks. It is anticipated to recommend opening the first negotiation cluster on fundamentals, which includes judiciary, anti-corruption, and public administration reforms. Ukrainian officials express optimism, with President Zelenskyy stating in a recent address that EU membership represents "not just a goal, but a guarantee of security and prosperity."
As winter approaches, the EU's emergency energy support will be crucial in preventing a humanitarian crisis. Programs like the EU Civil Protection Mechanism have facilitated the delivery of blankets, heaters, and mobile power stations. Additionally, interconnections with the European power grid, synchronized in March 2022, allow Ukraine to import electricity from neighbors like Poland and Romania.
In conclusion, Ursula von der Leyen's reassurances underscore the EU's multifaceted commitment to Ukraine amid ongoing aggression. From immediate energy aid to long-term financial mechanisms and the historic enlargement process, Brussels is signaling that Ukraine's European future is irreversible, despite internal hurdles and external pressures. The adoption of the Enlargement Package on Tuesday will provide further clarity on the road ahead, potentially accelerating Ukraine's integration into the European family.
