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European Commission - Announcement “Solidarity in action”: President von der Leyen rallies support for Ukraine's recovery in Gdańsk Brussels, 30 June 2026 President Ursula von der Leyen joined Ukrainian and international leaders in Gdańsk on 25 June for the Ukraine Recovery Conference , jointly hosted by Poland and Ukraine. The conference focused on mobilising investment, accelerating reconstruction, and bolstering U...
European Commission - Announcement “Solidarity in action”: President von der Leyen rallies support for Ukraine's recovery in Gdańsk Brussels, 30 June 2026 President Ursula von der Leyen joined Ukrainian and international leaders in Gdańsk on 25 June for the Ukraine Recovery Conference , jointly hosted by Poland and Ukraine. The conference focused on mobilising investment, accelerating reconstruction, and bolstering Ukraine's long-term resilience — underlining Europe's resolute pledge to Ukraine's recovery and future. The discussions reflected a growing conviction that Ukraine's recovery and its European future go hand in hand. Building on the momentum generated by the opening of the first negotiation cluster, President von der Leyen noted that Ukraine's path towards membership provides confidence to citizens, businesses, and investors alike: “Earlier this month, we opened the first cluster of negotiations with Ukraine. This was a historic moment; a recognition of the remarkable progress Ukraine has already made and a strong signal that Ukraine's future belongs in our European family. Enlargement is more than a process – it is an anchor for Ukraine's future.” That confidence was matched by new financial commitments. The President announced the disbursement of the first EUR 3.2 billion in macro-financial assistance under the Ukraine Support Loan, which will provide EUR 90 billion over 2026 and 2027 to support Ukraine's budgetary and defence needs. She also confirmed that the first EUR 6 billion defence instalment to support drone production will begin to be disbursed in the coming days, reinforcing Ukraine's ability to defend itself while strengthening Europe's own security: “The prosperous Ukraine of tomorrow requires massive investment today. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, the European Union and its Member States have provided more than EUR 200 billion in economic, financial and military support… Today, we are transferring the first tranche under this loan, EUR 3.2 billion in macro-financial assistance… This, indeed, is solidarity in action.” Whilst immediate assistance remains crucial, the conference placed equal emphasis on creating the conditions for Ukraine's long-term growth. The Commission signed agreements worth more than EUR 1.1 billion under the Ukraine Investment Framework , supporting reconstruction, strategic industries, and essential infrastructure. It also launched the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine , the largest equity fund dedicated to the country's recovery – backed by capital from the Commission, France, Germany, Italy and Poland. It is expected to mobilise up to EUR 7 billion in public and private investment over time. Together, these initiatives strive to accelerate Ukraine's reconstruction and demonstrate the country's openness to long-term investment. President von der Leyen underscored that last year's progress has reinforced Ukraine's economic foundations and spurred new prospects for growth. She sees Ukraine's reconstruction not simply as reversing war damage, but as laying the foundations for a secure, prosperous, and European future: “The message to investors is simple – when you invest in Ukraine, you invest in the future of Europe.” Creating that future also requires lasting security. The conference therefore stressed the increasingly close partnership between Ukraine and the European Union in defence. Alongside continued financial support, the President pointed to Ukraine's rapidly developing defence industry and growing cooperation with European companies as evidence that Ukraine is strengthening both its own resilience and Europe's collective security. Speaking in parallel at the Eastern Flank Summit in Gdańsk, President von der Leyen also underlined the need to reinforce Europe's eastern border, announcing that the Eastern Flank Watch would become operational through SAFE and develop into “an important pillar of Europe's security architecture.” On the military front, she stressed that Ukraine “ has shifted the momentum on the battlefield ”: “ The determination of the Ukrainian people has shown to the world that their European choice cannot be broken .” Hosting this year's conference in Gdańsk carried symbolism that extended well beyond the policy discussions. Paying tribute to the birthplace of the Solidarność movement, President von der Leyen recalled that it was here people showed that “freedom could prevail over oppression.” From reconstruction and investment to defence cooperation and EU accession, the discussions in Gdańsk demonstrated that Europe's commitment to Ukraine extends well beyond emergency support. It is a long-term partnership grounded in shared security, prosperity and democratic values. For President von der Leyen , the spirit of Gdańsk continues to guide Europe's support for Ukraine: “The lesson of Gdańsk remains as relevant today as it was four decades ago. Solidarity is the road to freedom.” For more information Audiovisual coverage EU solidarity with Ukraine Ukraine Investment Framework Ukraine Recovery Conference Ukraine Facility AC/26/1493 Related media Participation of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2026) in Poland
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