EU pledges EUR 28.3 billion in defense support to Ukraine for 2026, including EUR 5.9 billion first tranche for drones, industrial capacity, and frontline deliveries.

Ukraine ratifies €90bn EU loan pact; first tranche of €45bn expected in June, PM says. Funds to go to defense, energy resilience, budget deficit.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko thanked parliament for ratifying with 298 votes the Agreement on Ukraine receiving a loan from the European Union in the total amount of EUR90 billion for 2026-2027. 'A very important decision that opens the possibility for the first tranche as early as June. In total, this year we expect EUR45 billion in support under the EU Ukraine Support Loan instrument. The funds will be directed to the defense and security of the state, strengthening energy resilience, and covering the budget deficit,' she wrote on Telegram.

Ukraine must submit tax reform bill by Dec 2026 to secure EUR 1.45 bln EU loan tranche, under ratified agreement. The bill aims to raise UAH 70 bln annually by combating tax evasion.

A draft law reforming the simplified tax system, expected to generate at least UAH 70 billion per year, must be submitted to parliament by December 2026 as part of an agreement with the EU for the third tranche of macro-financial assistance of about EUR 1.45 billion.

SPIEF: Over 130 countries confirm participation in St. Petersburg economic forum set for June 3-6, Roscongress says.

Representatives from more than 130 countries and territories have confirmed their participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), scheduled for June 3-6, according to a statement from Roscongress.

Morocco tops Africa's industrialization index for first time, overtaking South Africa, AfDB report shows.

Morocco has ranked first in Africa's industrialisation index for the first time, overtaking South Africa, according to a report by the African Development Bank (AfDB).