All associate States must unanimously agree to the conclusions of the European Council, which supply political guidance to the EU institutions. At the extraordinary summit in Brussels, 27 countries adopted defence conclusions. The EU Heads of State and Government approved the set-up plan presented by von der Leyen.
Only Hungary did not agree to adopt conclusions on further assistance to Ukraine. The another 26 countries accepted the records and the EU origin confirmed that it had previously been agreed that they would accept them without the approval of Budapest.
We all want peace. The difference is that 26 countries believe that the road to peace leads by strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities. Hungary has isolated itself from this consensus. They're alone. However, 1 isolated country does not mean division said Antonio Costa.
Greater security
The president of the European Council besides expressed satisfaction that the elements of the European alignment plan presented by Ursula von der Leyen and accepted by EU leaders would not require unanimity at the next stages of implementation. The president of the European Commission pointed out that the decision on the EUR 150 billion debt package would be taken with a qualified majority, which means that at least 15 countries support it. The same procedure will apply to the relaxation of budgetary discipline rules, which is intended to aid countries finance defence spending.
Our efforts to strengthen European defence will besides benefit Ukraine, due to the fact that its safety is crucial to Europe's security said Costa.
Costa pointed out that associate States could now rapidly increase their support, utilizing greater fiscal flexibility. respective have already declared additional commitments to EUR 15 billion. He added that urgent work was commissioned on further initiatives to respond to Ukraine's urgent military and defence needs. This is linked to Kai Kallas' proposal, the EU's advanced typical for abroad Affairs and Security, to fund Kiev's most urgent military and defence needs by the end of the year.
Europe is essential
Von der Leyen stressed that the aim of all is to accomplish a just and lasting peace, but the condition is to accomplish it from a strong position. She added that specified an approach was besides in the interests of US president Donald Trump.
For example, we have ensured Ukraine's economical endurance by 2025. We now invest a lot in the Ukrainian defence manufacture and supply Ukraine with the essential military capabilities. We care about the energy strategy allowing Ukraine to last the winter. We delivered 1.8 GW of energy to the energy system, which allowed Ukraine to last the winter – she exchanged.
