Editors’ Choice: More than just money – Ukraine’s EU dream

In 2023, Ursula von der Leyen called on EU members to “prove what it means to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.” But the assurances repeated by the Commission could also be taken as an admission that these decisions take a very long time.

Such has been the case with the €90 billion lifeline to the war-ravaged country, which was at last approved on Thursday. The financial aid had been held up not only by Hungary’s recent veto but also by protracted (and deeply divisive) discussions about where the money would come from, and under what conditions.

The process has tested Ukraine’s resilience, its president’s patience, and the bloc’s ability to meet the moment. And though the loan, and yet another volley of sanctions against Russia, gave EU leaders a brief moment of celebration as they meet in Cyprus – Ukraine’s longer-term ambitions of joining the bloc are still far from materialising.

Accession is a dream held by most Ukrainians, and Zelenskyy has demanded…