Timeline: how the EU has been supporting Ukraine since the start of the war
Parliament President Roberta Metsola meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during her visit to Kyiv on 1 April
Check out our timeline for an overview of how the EU and the European Parliament have supported Ukraine since the start of Russia’s invasion on 24 February.
The timeline is in reverse chronological order, meaning the most recent event will appear on top and the oldest one on the bottom.
EU support for Ukraine
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How the EU and the European Parliament have been supporting Ukraine since the start of Russia’s invasion on 24 February.
Parliament approves €18 billion loan for Ukraine for 2023
Parliament approves €18 billion loan for Ukraine for 2023
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MEPs approve an €18 billion loan to support Ukraine during Russia’s war against the country.
MEPs vote not to accept passports issued by Russia in occupied areas
MEPs vote not to accept passports issued by Russia in occupied areas
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The European Parliament endorses a decision not to accept passports and other travel documents issued by Russia in illegally-occupied regions of Ukraine and Georgia.
European Parliament declares Russia to be a state sponsor of terrorism
European Parliament declares Russia to be a state sponsor of terrorism
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MEPs have recognised Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, following the atrocities carried out by Vladimir Putin’s regime against Ukrainian civilians.
MEPs adopt EU budget 2023: focus on Ukraine, energy and recovery
MEPs adopt EU budget 2023: focus on Ukraine, energy and recovery
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For the EU's 2023 budget, MEPs secure better and more effective support for addressing the consequences of the war in Ukraine and the pandemic recovery process.
President Metsola launches Generators of Hope campaign to help Ukraine
President Metsola launches Generators of Hope campaign to help Ukraine
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Parliament launches a campaign to donate power generators together with European cities to help the 10 million Ukrainians who are without electricity.
Metsola calls for forceful response to energy crisis, inflation, war in Ukraine
Metsola calls for forceful response to energy crisis, inflation, war in Ukraine
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“We need a revision of the EU long-term budget to adapt to crisis and finance new priorities,” European Parliament President Roberta Metsola tells EU leaders at the European Council.
MEPs say no to Russian passports from occupied regions, stress right to asylum
MEPs say no to Russian passports from occupied regions, stress right to asylum
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The European Parliament agrees not to accept travel documents that Russia has issued in the areas it illegally occupies in Ukraine and Georgia.
The Ukrainian people awarded the European Parliament’s 2022 Sakharov Prize
The Ukrainian people awarded the European Parliament’s 2022 Sakharov Prize
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MEPs have awarded the brave people of Ukraine, represented by their president, elected leaders and civil society, the 2022 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.
MEPs want EU budget for 2023 to focus on Ukraine, energy and pandemic
MEPs want EU budget for 2023 to focus on Ukraine, energy and pandemic
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MEPs demand an EU budget for 2023 that addresses the consequences of the war in Ukraine and the pandemic recovery process more effectively.
Metsola calls for more military support to Ukraine and a united response to energy crisis
Metsola calls for more military support to Ukraine and a united response to energy crisis
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Parliament President Roberta Metsola calls for European unity in providing military support to Ukraine and responding to the energy crisis at the Prague informal European Council.
MEPs call for massive increase of military assistance to Ukraine
MEPs call for massive increase of military assistance to Ukraine
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MEPs urge all countries and international organisations to unequivocally condemn Russia's sham referenda in occupied territories of Ukraine and its attempt to acquire territory by force.
EU adopts eighth package of sanctions against Russia
EU adopts eighth package of sanctions against Russia
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In light of Russia’s escalating war of aggression against Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, the Council decides to impose a new package of economic and individual sanctions against Russia.
Parliament backs additional help for EU regions to ease the impact of the war
Parliament backs additional help for EU regions to ease the impact of the war
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MEPs approve plans to enable EU countries and regions to receive extra support to alleviate the consequences of the Russian war in Ukraine.
Parliament's Secretary-General offers support in a visit to Ukraine
Parliament's Secretary-General offers support in a visit to Ukraine
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Klaus Welle, Secretary-General of the European Parliament, visited Kyiv on 21 and 22 September after being invited by his counterpart of the Verkhovna Rada, Viacheslav Shtuchnyi. Welle offered Parliament’s help in facilitating Ukraine's EU accession: "We are entering a new phase of our support for the Rada. The focus will shift from logistical to legislative support: How can we best help the Ukrainian parliament in its accession to the EU?”
MEPs criticise human rights breaches in Ukraine
MEPs criticise human rights breaches in Ukraine
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Parliament strongly condemns the reported atrocities committed by the Russian Armed Forces. MEPs also highlight the forcible deportation of Ukrainian civilians, including children, to Russia, as well as Russia’s abhorrent practices in so-called filtration camps.
Parliament approves €5 billion loan to Ukraine
Parliament approves €5 billion loan to Ukraine
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MEPs give the green light to a €5 billion macro-financial loan to help Ukraine cover its acute financing needs caused by Russia’s invasion.
Simplified procedure to use EU regional funding to tackle consequences Russian aggression
Simplified procedure to use EU regional funding to tackle consequences Russian aggression
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Parliament's regional development committee backs simplified rules for the use of EU regional funds to address the consequences of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
State of the EU debate: Ukraine, energy, climate change, economy
State of the EU debate: Ukraine, energy, climate change, economy
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In the annual State of the European Union debate, MEPs question President Ursula von der Leyen on the European Commission’s work in the past year and its upcoming plans. This includes challenges such as the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis.
EU adopts seventh sanctions package
EU adopts seventh sanctions package
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In response to Russia’s continuing war of aggression against Ukraine, the Council adopts new measures intended to tighten existing economic sanctions targeting Russia, perfect their implementation and strengthen their effectiveness.
Ukrainians can use national driving licence in EU
Ukrainians can use national driving licence in EU
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MEPs back a proposal to allow Ukrainian refugees to keep their national driving licences, exempting them from the obligation to exchange them for EU ones.
Fishing and aquaculture operators affected by war to receive compensation
Fishing and aquaculture operators affected by war to receive compensation
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MEPs agree to provide financial help to EU fisheries and aquaculture sectors dealing with the economic consequences of the Russian invasion.
€1 billion loan to help Ukraine
€1 billion loan to help Ukraine
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MEPs greenlight a €1 billion macro-financial loan to help Ukraine cover its external financing needs that have ballooned due to the war.
Lead MEP welcomes decision to give Ukraine and Moldova EU candidate status
Lead MEP welcomes decision to give Ukraine and Moldova EU candidate status
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David McAllister, the chair of Parliament’s foreign affairs committee, issued a statement to welcome the Council’s decision on the EU membership applications of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.
Metsola: EU candidate status will strengthen Ukraine and EU
Metsola: EU candidate status will strengthen Ukraine and EU
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Parliament President Roberta Metsola called on EU leaders to give Ukraine and Moldova EU candidate status in her speech at the start of an EU summit dedicated to this.
Parliament calls for candidate status for Ukraine and Moldova
Parliament calls for candidate status for Ukraine and Moldova
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MEPs adopt a resolution calling on EU leaders holding a summit that day to grant EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova “without delay”. They should do the same with Georgia “once its government has delivered” on the priorities indicated by the European Commission.
Croatian Prime Minister calls for candidate status for Ukraine
Croatian Prime Minister calls for candidate status for Ukraine
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In his speech to MEPs as part of the This is Europe series, Croation Prime Minister Andrej Plenković expresses his desire for the European Council to grant Ukraine candidate status, as well as that of Moldova and Georgia, pending certain conditions.
More support for EU countries taking in Ukrainian refugees
More support for EU countries taking in Ukrainian refugees
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Parliament approves a reinforcement of EU migration programmes to help member states deal with urgent migration and border management measures.
Stefanchuk addresses Parliament, calls for support for EU bid
Stefanchuk addresses Parliament, calls for support for EU bid
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In his address to MEPs on 8 June, Ruslan Stefanchuk , the Speaker of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (parliament) called on the EU to endorse his country’s membership application.
MEPs welcome additional sanctions against Russia
MEPs welcome additional sanctions against Russia
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MEPs welcomed the unity and additional sanctions delivered by the European Council during the summit on 30 May, but called for more arms to Ukraine and more attention for those struggling within the EU.
MEPs call for update to EU foreign policy in wake of Ukraine war
MEPs call for update to EU foreign policy in wake of Ukraine war
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In response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, Parliament calls for an update of the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy
Metsola: We must start planning long-term commitment to help Ukraine
Metsola: We must start planning long-term commitment to help Ukraine
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Parliament President Roberta Metsola called on EU leaders to commit to long-term engagement when it comes to Ukraine, including securing energy independence for the EU.
MEPs call for special tribunal to punish Russian political leaders and military commanders
MEPs call for special tribunal to punish Russian political leaders and military commanders
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Parliament asks the EU to support setting up a special international tribunal to punish the crime of aggression committed against Ukraine, for which the International Criminal Court has no jurisdiction and hold Russian political leaders and military commanders and those of its allies to account.
Parliament backs more powers for EU agency on war crime investigations
Parliament backs more powers for EU agency on war crime investigations
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MEPs greenlight new rules that will allow Eurojust to store and analyse evidence related to war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.
EU agreement to restock gas reserves before winter
EU agreement to restock gas reserves before winter
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Parliament and Council negotiators reach an agreement on a new regulation setting the mandatory minimum level of gas in storage facilities to 80% by 1 November 2022.
MEPs: all EU sanctions against Russia must apply to Belarus
MEPs: all EU sanctions against Russia must apply to Belarus
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Parliament welcomes the European Commission’s proposal for a sixth sanctions package against Russia and Belarus and calls on EU countries in the Council to ensure its comprehensive and swift implementation. All the future EU sanctions issued against Russia must be strictly mirrored for Belarus for its support of the war of aggression in Ukraine, say MEPs.
MEPs approve suspension of EU duties on all Ukrainian exports
MEPs approve suspension of EU duties on all Ukrainian exports
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Parliament backs a one-year suspension of EU import duties on all Ukrainian exports, to support the country’s economy. The adopted measures aim to remove barriers to trade.
EU must strengthen support for citizens and businesses and help for Ukraine
EU must strengthen support for citizens and businesses and help for Ukraine
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MEPs call for funding to deal with the consequences of the war in Ukraine, by confiscating Russian oligarchs’ assets, making use of new EU own resources, and fully using the funds available in the existing EU budget.
Eurobarometer survey: Europeans approve EU’s response to the war in Ukraine
Eurobarometer survey: Europeans approve EU’s response to the war in Ukraine
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A Flash Eurobarometer survey in all EU countries shows wide support among EU citizens in favour of the EU's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
MEPs call on Russia to return airplanes
MEPs call on Russia to return airplanes
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MEPs demand Russia return leased airplanes that have been re-registered in the Russian aircraft register, in clear violation of international civil aviation rules, and call on the EU to tighten sanctions on Moscow.
War in Ukraine: protecting women refugees from violence and sexual exploitation
War in Ukraine: protecting women refugees from violence and sexual exploitation
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To protect women fleeing the war, MEPs call on the EU and all host and transit countries to ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services , as well as to the obstetric care.
Oil embargo - the sixth package of sanctions is on the table
Oil embargo - the sixth package of sanctions is on the table
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The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announces a proposal for the sixth package of sanctions against Russia which would include a complete import ban on all Russian oil, seaborne and pipeline, crude and refined.
Italian Prime Minister Draghi calls for faster EU integration to address crises
Italian Prime Minister Draghi calls for faster EU integration to address crises
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In an address to the European Parliament, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi calls for faster EU integration: "We want Ukraine in the EU" and "we must also proceed as quickly as possible".
Fifth package of sanctions: coal embargo and transport restrictions
Fifth package of sanctions: coal embargo and transport restrictions
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The EU adopts a fifth package of sanctions against Russia, in light of Russia’s continuing war of aggression against Ukraine and the reports of atrocities committed by the Russian armed forces in a number of Ukrainian towns.
Ukrainian application to the EU membership is in progress
Ukrainian application to the EU membership is in progress
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The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen hands over the EU membership questionnaire to the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
EU facilitates steps by telecom operators to help refugees stay connected
EU facilitates steps by telecom operators to help refugees stay connected
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Telecom operators based in the EU and in Ukraine sign a joint statement on their coordinated efforts to secure affordable or free roaming and international calls between the EU and Ukraine. The Commission and the Parliament facilitate this joint statement.
MEPs demand full embargo on Russian imports of fuel
MEPs demand full embargo on Russian imports of fuel
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MEPs call for additional sanctions, including “an immediate full embargo on Russian imports of oil, coal, nuclear fuel and gas”.
MEPs frontload €3.4 billion to address Ukrainian refugees’ needs
MEPs frontload €3.4 billion to address Ukrainian refugees’ needs
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MEPs adopt additional urgent support measures agreeing to immediately release about €3.4 billion from the React-EU funds and speed up EU governments’ access to funds to pay for infrastructure, housing, equipment, employment, education, social inclusion, healthcare and childcare for refugees.
EU must protect all children fleeing the war
EU must protect all children fleeing the war
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MEPs call for children fleeing war in Ukraine to be given safe passage and for assistance for those internally displaced or unable to leave areas under siege.
MEPs call for more support for Ukraine and further sanctions against Russia
MEPs call for more support for Ukraine and further sanctions against Russia
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MEPs unite in showing solidarity and giving more help to Ukraine. They call for further sanctions against Russia, additional support for Ukraine and for reducing the EU’s energy dependency.
Minute of silence in memory of war victims in Ukraine
Minute of silence in memory of war victims in Ukraine
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President Roberta Metsola leads MEPs in a minute of silence in memory of the victims of Bucha, Irpin and all victims of war, terror and violence. She updates the Parliament on her visit to Ukraine and appeals for more logistical, humanitarian and military support.
Parliament President visits Kyiv
Parliament President visits Kyiv
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European Parliament President Roberta Metsola visits Kyiv to express the EU´s support and hope to the Ukrainian people and condemn the unjustified Russian attack. She meets with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well as others.
More EU action needed for secure food supply
More EU action needed for secure food supply
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Parliament calls for immediate and substantial food aid to Ukraine and for the EU to make its food production more independent.
War in Ukraine: MEPs unlock emergency funds for refugees
War in Ukraine: MEPs unlock emergency funds for refugees
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Parliament approves plans to redirect EU regional and asylum funding to EU countries sheltering people fleeing from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
MEPs call for energy independence and more pressure on Russia
MEPs call for energy independence and more pressure on Russia
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MEPs unanimously condemn Russia’s brutal invasion and urge the EU to further sanction Moscow and protect the European economy.
European Parliament launches website in cooperation with Ukrainian parliament
European Parliament launches website in cooperation with Ukrainian parliament
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The European Parliament in cooperation with Ukraine’s Parliament Verkhovna launches the Stand with Ukraine shows how the EU supports Ukraine. The website, set up by Parliament, provides (in English and Ukrainian) the latest news, videos and podcasts, relevant legislation and resolutions.
New measures targeting Belarus and Russia
New measures targeting Belarus and Russia
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In response to the involvement of Belarus in the unjustified and unprovoked Russian military aggression against Ukraine, the Council adopts additional measures targeting the Belarusian financial sector.
Europe stands with Ukraine: Parliament calls for tougher sanctions against Russia
Europe stands with Ukraine: Parliament calls for tougher sanctions against Russia
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MEPs strongly condemn Russia’s illegal invasion and call for stronger sanctions against Russia.
Third package of sanctions: banning Russian aircraft and transactions with Russian Central Bank
Third package of sanctions: banning Russian aircraft and transactions with Russian Central Bank
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The EU approves a third package of measures in response to the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression carried out by the Russian Federation against Ukraine. EU countries decide to deny Russian aircraft permission to land in, take off from or fly over their territories and ban transactions with the Russian Central Bank.
Second package of Russia sanctions including against President Putin
Second package of Russia sanctions including against President Putin
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The EU decides to sanction Russia’s president Vladimir Putin and Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. The Council also agrees on a further package of individual and economic measures covering Belarus to respond to the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression carried out by the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
European Parliament’s leaders express full solidarity and support for Ukraine
European Parliament’s leaders express full solidarity and support for Ukraine
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Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola and the political group leaders condemn the attack in the strongest possible terms and express full solidarity and support for Ukraine and its people.
First package of sanctions against Russia
First package of sanctions against Russia
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The EU adopts a package of sanctions in response to Russian recognition of the non-government controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine and sending of troops into the region.