Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on Tuesday voted 518 to 56, with 61 abstentions, to endorse the new macro-financial assistance measure aimed at helping Ukraine against Russia's ongoing invasion, news outlets reported.
The loan is the EU’s part of a G7 package agreed last June, to provide up to USD 50 billion (around EUR 45 billion) in financial support to Ukraine, the EU legislature said on its website.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) during a voting session in Strasbourg, France, last year. Photo: EPA/JULIEN WARNAND
The funds will be disbursed until the end of next year, conditional on Ukraine's continued commitment to uphold effective democratic mechanisms and respect human rights, among other stipulations, according to the European Parliament.
"Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression, with its brave citizens fighting not only for their own existence and freedom, but to defend democracy, human rights, freedom, and international law for all of us," said Swedish MEP Karin Karlsbro, the rapporteur for the measure.
"Russia must pay for attacking Ukrainians and brutally destroying the country’s infrastructure, cities, villages, and homes," she added. "The burden of rebuilding Ukraine will be shouldered by those responsible for its destruction, namely Russia."
Last October, European lawmakers voted 512 to 45, with 63 abstentions, to approve a EUR 50 billion facility, in the form of grants and loans, to support Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction amid Russia's invasion.
Russia invaded Ukraine by land, air and sea on February 24, 2022, starting the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II.
Wednesday is day 973 of Russia's war on Ukraine.