The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved an additional €50 million loan to Naftogaz, Ukraine’s state energy company, to help keep homes and critical facilities heated through the harsh winter months, the Bank announced. The funding will support emergency gas imports as Ukraine’s energy system faces severe strain from freezing temperatures and sustained attacks on its infrastructure.
The new financing builds on the EIB’s €300 million loan to Naftogaz under the Ukraine Energy Rescue Plan, which helps the country maintain essential power and heating services. It also complements €127 million in EU grant support, made possible through Norway’s contribution to the EU’s Ukraine Investment Framework. Together, these efforts reflect a coordinated Team Europe response to Ukraine’s most urgent energy needs.
“As winter temperatures drop below minus 20 degrees, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians are living without reliable electricity, heating, or water,” said EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska. “By extending our existing support, we are acting swiftly to protect communities, sustain essential services, and strengthen energy resilience during one of the toughest winters yet.”
Under the agreement, Naftogaz has committed to investing an amount equivalent to the EIB’s financing into renewable energy and decarbonization projects, linking immediate energy security with longer-term climate goals. The loan also includes safeguards preventing the purchase of Russian gas and reinforces transparency and governance standards.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos called the situation in Ukraine “beyond war,” describing the scale of Russia’s attacks as “state terror.” She said the EU will continue to look for “all possible options” to support Ukrainians enduring the crisis. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide added that Norway and the EU “stand together to secure Ukraine’s energy supply this cold winter.”
Naftogaz CEO Sergii Koretskyi said the new funds will help stabilize the energy system and ensure continued gas imports despite ongoing bombardments.
“We are deeply grateful to the EIB, the European Commission, and our partners for their unwavering support at such a critical time,” he said.
