European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has once again stated that Europe has supported Ukraine from day one and will stand by it “for as long as it takes.”

Speaking at a conference in Rome, she noted that the EU remains Ukraine's largest donor, with support exceeding €165 billion this year alone. Additional grants of €1 billion and €3 billion were signed during today's conference.

She also announced the launch of a new “flagship” fund for Ukraine's recovery — the world's largest investment fund focused on energy, transport, critical and raw materials, and dual-use industries. “We are literally investing in Ukraine's future,” she said, emphasizing that Italy, Germany, France, Poland, and the European Investment Bank are participating in the fund.

In addition, von der Leyen said that the European Commission is ready to move to the next stage on Ukraine's path to EU membership — opening the first cluster of accession negotiations. “Now we need to act, to move forward for the sake of millions of Ukrainians — soldiers, teachers, doctors, farmers, and everyone else. For Ukrainians of all professions and walks of life, the future is linked to two flags — the flag of Ukraine and the flag of Europe,” she said.