On April 22, EU ambassadors are to consider an amendment to the EU's multiannual financial framework regulation, which is a requirement for granting Ukraine a €90 billion loan. But Ukraine will still not receive the first tranche in April.
This was reported to the Public by the spokesperson for the Cyprus Presidency of the EU.
“In light of recent events, the presidency has included an amendment to the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) regulation — the final element needed to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion loan — on the agenda of the EU ambassadors' meeting to be held on Wednesday, April 22, as a non-negotiable item,” the spokesman said.
According to him, after approval, a written procedure will be initiated for its final adoption.
At the same time, one of the EU diplomats told Suspilny that the EU sees “Orban's new position” on allocating a loan to Ukraine. It is Hungary that is blocking the allocation of a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine.
“The situation is developing very rapidly. Last week, the Hungarian ambassador stated at a meeting that their position on the loan had not changed, and today we see a new position from Orban,” said our interlocutor.
Another EU diplomat stated that Ukraine should hurry up with the implementation of reforms necessary to provide funding.
“Ukraine needs to maintain the pace of reforms and maintain momentum, because for obvious reasons, there has been a slowdown, especially in legislative reforms, and the Verkhovna Rada has become less productive in terms of adopting legislation,” our interlocutor said.
Despite the fact that Hungary may soon lift its veto on the loan for Ukraine, the first tranche may not be disbursed before May.
A source familiar with the matter told Suspilny that while the European Commission had previously hoped to complete negotiations on a bilateral loan agreement between Ukraine and the EU by the end of April, it is now expected to be completed by mid-May. On April 1, European Commission spokesman Balazs Ujvari said that three more documents needed to be approved to finalize the loan.
“The most important among them is the Financing Strategy for Ukraine, which defines the volume of payments, their goals and channels. This document has already received approval from the European Commission. In addition, a memorandum of understanding, an updated plan for Ukraine, and a bilateral loan agreement are being prepared,” the spokesman reported.
Previously, Suspilne reported that on April 21, EU foreign ministers will consider the issue of a 90 billion loan for Ukraine and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. At the same time, diplomats believe that these matters should be discussed when the new Hungarian government fully comes to power.
What is known about the 90 billion euro EU loan for Ukraine?
On December 19, 2025, EU leaders decided to provide Ukraine with €90 billion in support for 2026–2027. The loan will be secured by the bloc's budget reserves, not frozen Russian assets.
On January 14, 2026, the European Commission adopted a package of legislative proposals that will allow Kyiv to provide this loan to cover financial and military needs for two years.
On January 21, the European Parliament supported the proposal for a Council decision allowing the activation of enhanced cooperation to establish a loan for Ukraine of 90 billion euros for the period 2026–2027.
On February 11, MEPs voted in favor of three legislative acts that allow Ukraine to receive a loan of 90 billion euros in 2026 and 2027.
On February 20, it became known that Hungary blocked the allocation of an EU loan worth 90 billion euros to Ukraine due to the lack of oil transit from Russia through the Druzhba oil pipeline.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that Kyiv informed Budapest about the Russian shelling of the Druzhba oil pipeline in Brody, Lviv region, and the corresponding damage on January 27, and that Ukraine's accusations of delaying supplies are illogical.
Despite this, Peter Szijjártó stated at the EU Council meeting on February 23 that Russia “did not shell” the Druzhba oil pipeline infrastructure, and that Ukraine allegedly stopped transit due to an “internal political decision.” The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry accused the Hungarian minister of statements and actions in favor of Russia.
On February 23, European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis told the Public that the EU is not discussing alternative options for allocating a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine, which is being blocked by Hungary.
The EU leaders' summit took place on March 19 in Brussels. Even before the meeting began, the Hungarian Prime Minister told reporters that Budapest will not support any EU decision in favor of Ukraine until Kyiv resumes oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. This includes, in particular, the unblocking of a 90 billion euro loan by Hungary.