Von der Leyen says 70 billion euro gap in Ukraine funding for 2027 must be closed

Ursula von der Leyen said funding for Ukraine is covered for 2026, but a gap of 70 billion euros remains for 2027. She set that shortfall against a 90 billion euro allocation planned before the course of the war could be foreseen, and said a third of the gap should come from financing by partners.

Friedrich Merz, speaking to reporters at the end of the Brussels summit, said the 27 leaders will meet again on 4 February 2027 in Germany, a date proposed by Antonio Costa, to review progress on competitiveness and the single market. Merz also said there is still room to limit visas for Russian citizens, including for private visits and business travel, and warned that Russia must know Europe will respond to the forced administration of European companies.

Palazzo Chigi said Italy and the European Commission reached an agreement on the energy bills decree (D.L. Bollette, decree-law 21/2026) under the Middle East State Aid Framework. The Commission spokesperson said the measure is temporary, compensates only the rise in gas costs and does not cover ETS costs, and expects Italy to notify its plans quickly. Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson said nothing has changed on using immobilised Russian assets for Ukraine, adding that the funds are preserved and that short-term support should come from other sources.