EU Set to Unblock €90 Billion Ukraine Loan as Druzhba Oil Flow Resumes

The EU is set to unlock a €90 billion loan for Ukraine as oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline resume to Slovakia, while NATO warns of a more dangerous security environment.

Context: The Druzhba pipeline carries crude oil from Russia to Central Europe. After a Russian missile damaged the line in January 2026, Hungary blocked the EU’s Ukraine loan until oil shipments restarted. Slovak economy minister Denisa Saková confirmed that Ukrtransnafta has begun pressurising and filling the pipeline, with deliveries expected to resume Thursday morning.

Key Facts: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the world is more dangerous and urged stronger defences, better capabilities, and adoption of the latest technology. The EU is poised to approve a €90 billion loan for Ukraine after a four‑month blockade by Hungary. Saková’s announcement indicates that force‑majeure conditions on the Druzhba pipeline ended on 21 April 2026, allowing crude transit to Hungary and Slovakia to restart.

What It Means: The loan will provide Ukraine with urgent funds to sustain its defence against Russia. Restored oil flows ease energy concerns for Slovakia and Hungary, reducing political pressure on Budapest to maintain the loan block. NATO’s call for enhanced defence capabilities may accelerate EU military spending discussions ahead of its July summit in Ankara. Observers should watch for the final EU loan disbursement decision, verification of steady oil throughput, and any NATO defence‑production announcements in the coming days.