EU to seek more UK aid for Ukraine

The European Union will formally request that the United Kingdom increase its financial support for Ukraine's defence operations during 2027. EU leaders intend to make this request when Prime Minister Andy Burnham attends a summit in Brussels. They argue that the UK, along with Canada and Japan, should contribute more to the war effort.

Brussels states that previous appeals to these G7 nations for additional funds have gone unanswered. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will ask Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to help close the funding gap at an EU-Canada summit in Montreal next week. A similar request is scheduled for Burnham when he meets von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa on November 20.

The timing creates pressure on the British government. Chancellor John Healey is preparing his first budget next week. He is weighing calls for increased spending against rising borrowing costs and a weakening economic outlook. Healey said earlier this month that he is working on different ways to step up military, diplomatic, and economic support for Ukraine.

Ukraine reports a funding shortfall of 70 billion euros, or 58 billion pounds, for 2027. This amount is needed for defence and civilian needs. The EU and its member states currently pay for 80% of Ukraine's financial requirements. The commission considers a fair EU share to be two-thirds, with the remaining third covered by other allies. Von der Leyen told reporters last week that the bloc will continue to lead but urgently needs other partners to step up.

The EU agreed last year to a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine. This loan was designed to cover two-thirds of Kyiv's funding needs for 2026 and 2027. However, Ukraine's costs continue to rise as Russia escalates attacks and the war enters its fifth winter. EU officials have prioritized non-EU G7 members for aid but may also seek contributions from Switzerland, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

The British government says it has committed 25 billion pounds to Ukraine, including 16 billion pounds in military aid. The UK is the fourth largest donor, behind the US, Germany, and France. Weighted by GDP, the UK contributed 0.86% of national income to the effort. France contributed 1.1% and Germany 1.5%. Denmark contributed 4.2% and Estonia 3.8%. The UK's contribution is closer to France and Germany once their spending on EU programmes is removed.

Ukraine will be one of several topics at the November 20 summit. Leaders are expected to conclude three agreements there. These include a food and animal health deal to reduce Brexit paperwork, a linkage of EU and UK emissions trading schemes, and a youth mobility scheme for people aged 18 to 30. The commission proposed deferring the issue of university tuition fees to technical talks within six months of the summit. This move aims to prevent the leaders' meeting from stalling. An EU diplomat noted that the three deals are a gift to the UK, but the leverage remains because the UK needs the agreement.