Politics Rutte warns EU against strict conditions for Ukraine loans
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is appealing to the European Parliament not to demand overly strict conditions for the use of the funds in the negotiations on the new huge EU loan for Ukraine. During an exchange with members of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Policy Committees in Brussels, Rutte said that he strongly recommends allowing Ukraine to use the money flexibly. This would not be possible if a restrictive Buy Europe clause was insisted upon. Such a clause would require the purchase of armaments in Europe and make it more difficult to do business with armaments companies from the USA, for example.
26.01.2026, 19:01
SDA
The fact that Europe is currently strengthening its defense industry is crucial, explained Rutte. At present, however, it cannot supply nearly enough of what Ukraine needs to defend itself today and deter tomorrow. "As you move forward with this loan now, I would therefore strongly encourage you to put Ukraine's needs first," he told MPs.
Ukraine is at a loss without US air defense systems
According to Rutte, flexibility is particularly important in the area of air defense. Without certain US systems, Ukraine would not be able to keep up the fight, he explained, citing the Patriot missile interception system as an example.
The new EU loan plans for Ukraine provide for a further 90 billion euros to be made available to the country by the end of 2027. 60 billion euros of this is earmarked for military support.
Negotiations between Parliament and member states
The EU Commission has proposed that the money for the armed forces should be used to purchase military equipment primarily in Ukraine and in EU member states. However, procurement in non-European countries would be permitted if the required products are not available there. In theory, however, this regulation could be tightened up again in negotiations between the member states and Parliament. France in particular is campaigning for this.
The issue is also explosive because Germany and other NATO states are actually supposed to buy American weapons and ammunition for Ukraine for at least one billion US dollars (0.84 billion euros) per month this year. The countries agreed to this last summer in order to meet the demands of US President Donald Trump.
