Recital (12)

The enhanced cooperation authorised by this Decision supports various objectives which will reinforce the Union’s integration process in accordance with Article 20(1) TEU. First, providing financial assistance to Ukraine contributes to the objectives of the Union as set out in Article 3 TEU, in particular to peace and security in the Union and in the world, as well as to the sustainable development of Europe based, inter alia, on balanced economic growth and price stability. Financial assistance to Ukraine mitigates the effects of Russia’s actions on the security and economy of the Union and its neighbourhood. The defeat of Ukraine would increase the risk of aggression by Russia against one of the Member States or a country in the neighbourhood of Ukraine, including candidate countries, and have direct and indirect repercussions for the security and economic situation in the Union. The repercussions for the Union’s economy of Russia’s aggression would be even more severe if Ukraine were unable to support the fiscal efforts necessary for the continuation of its war effort. Second, as Ukraine is a candidate for accession to the Union, Union support is a strategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity in Europe and better positions it to address global challenges while contributing to the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2024/792, in particular through rule-of-law reforms, public-administration reform and the strengthening of democratic institutions, which are key fundamentals for accession. Third, providing financial assistance to Ukraine benefits the internal market and provides increased economic and trade opportunities for the mutual benefit of the Union and Ukraine, while supporting a gradual transformation of that country, including through the implementation of the Ukraine Plan as amended by Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2157. Fourth, the Union is confronted by a stark deterioration in its security context, linked not only to the persistent threat of Russia and its intensified shift to a war-time economy and the evolution of the war in Ukraine, but also to uncertainties stemming from the advent of a geopolitical situation in which the Union has to markedly step up its efforts to ensure its defence autonomously. In that context, providing financial assistance to Ukraine supports objectives that are beneficial for the reinforcement of the European defence and technological industrial base in the context of Union instruments and programmes promoting defence industrial cooperation with Ukraine, in particular Council Regulation (EU) 2025/1106 and Regulation (EU) 2025/2643 of the European Parliament and of the Council which establishes the European Defence Industry Programme.