Today, the European Commission witnessed an additional €10 million contribution from Lithuania to the Ukraine Facility.
This additional support comes ahead of the foreseen Summit of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, which will focus on addressing the forced deportation and illegal transfer of Ukrainian children by Russia.
The new funding will strengthen existing initiatives addressing key social dimensions of Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, such as education. It will also support Ukraine’s Better Care reform aimed at transforming the country’s child protection system. This additional support will be channelled through Pillar III of the Ukraine Facility for project-based assistance.
Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said: “For Putin’s Russia, children have become mere instruments of war. Their schools are bombed, and thousands have been forcibly deported, torn from their families and their roots. The European Union is working hand in hand with Ukraine to help bring them home. Thanks to Lithuania’s new contribution, we will further strengthen our efforts so that every child can grow up in the dignity they deserve.”
Reinforcing European solidarity with Ukraine
On the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys signed a Letter of Acknowledgement for Lithuania’s contribution.
With this contribution, Lithuania becomes the fourth EU Member State to make an individual financial contribution to the Ukraine Facility, following Denmark, Finland and Sweden.
Norway also joined the EU’s efforts further strengthening international backing for Ukraine’s recovery.