The European Council meeting in Brussels concluded on Friday with leaders acknowledging the need to increase weapon deliveries to Ukraine amid the country’s ongoing conflict with Russia. However, there was no consensus as to the speed of these deliveries. The European Commission has been tasked to explore “all possibilities for mobilizing funds” and is expected to present a report by June.
Additionally, the utilization of profits from the interest on frozen Russian assets for weapon purchases will be further discussed within the EU Council.
However, despite Ukraine suffering from intense Russian missile attacks overnight, targeting energy infrastructure among other things, EU member states have not agreed on how to boost funding for Ukraine’s weapon supplies.
One proposed solution, issuing joint EU defense bonds, has received mixed reactions. Countries like France, Estonia, and Poland support this initiative, while nations including Germany, Netherlands, and Austria, have expressed strong opposition. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte reiterated their opposition to this proposal in Brussels on Thursday.
Not afraid of RussiaTwo years into Russia’s war, the EU is steadfast in its support for Ukraine 🇺🇦.
— EU Council (@EUCouncil) March 22, 2024
At #EUCO, leaders discussed:
📌military assistance and ammunition procurement 📌frozen assets
📌enforcing sanctions and closing loopholes
📌accountability for crimeshttps://t.co/0dtlMxL5y1 pic.twitter.com/zKk08H6v5p
Charles Michel, President of the European Council, stated that the EU would not be intimidated by potential Russian responses to plans using these profits for Ukraine’s defense.
He argued that it is fair for the proceeds from these foreign assets to aid Ukraine, the victim of Russian aggression.
“In one word, we’re not intimidated by Russia and it’s why we are making decisions to support Ukraine and to counter Russia and to sanction Russia. And we think this is fair that the revenues of those foreign assets will be used for Ukraine because they are victim of this aggression launched by Russia,” Michel stressed.
His words are backed by the actions of the European Council, which adopted the 13th package of sanctions against Russia, and called for “further steps to weaken Russia’s ability to continue waging its war of aggression.”
The Council also called “on the High Representative and the Commission to prepare further sanctions against Belarus, North Korea and Iran.”
Michel further highlighted the importance of the EU building its defense industry, especially in light of comments from Russian authorities suggesting a war with Europe.📢 New EU sanctions:
— EU Council (@EUCouncil) March 22, 2024
➡️ 33 people linked to the death of Alexei Navalny
➡️ the 2 penal colonies where Navalny was held from 06/22 to his death, known for inflicting physical and psychological pressure, complete isolation, torture and violence on prisoners 👇
Von der Leyen interpreted these comments as evidence of the Kremlin’s betrayal of the Russian people by concealing facts and denying the state of war for the last two years.
The European Council demands the unconditional release of all captives, an urgent humanitarian halt that leads to a durable truce, and the supply of humanitarian aid.
“The European Council recalls its previous conclusions condemning Hamas in the strongest possible terms for its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel on 7 October 2023, recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself in line with international law and international humanitarian law, and calling for the immediate release of all hostages without any precondition,” the European Council wrote in a press release on Friday.
EU enlargmentEU leaders discussed the Middle East situation.
— EU Council (@EUCouncil) March 22, 2024
They:
📌called for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire
📌are appalled by the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza
📌condemn Hamas for its brutal attacks against Israel
📌discussed a 2-state solution
In a landmark decision, the European Council has resolved to initiate accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking a significant step in the country’s journey toward European Union membership. The Council has called upon the European Commission to develop the negotiation framework, aiming for its adoption by the Council as soon as Bosnia and Herzegovina meets the conditions outlined in the Commission’s recommendation from October 12, 2022.
The European Council also acknowledged the progress made by Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in implementing essential reforms required for their EU accession paths.
Additionally, the European Council noted the ongoing efforts by Georgia towards meeting its reform priorities. The Council encouraged Georgia to continue its progress on these essential reforms, highlighting the European Union’s commitment to supporting the European aspirations of its Eastern partners.
The council further emphasized the critical role of a robust and sustainable agricultural sector for the European Union’s food security and strategic independence.
Addressing current issues in the agricultural sector and concerns from farmers, the European Council reviewed ongoing efforts at the European level.
It called on the Commission and the Council to promptly advance work on several fronts, including implementing short- and medium-term measures to ease administrative burdens and simplify processes for farmers, enhancing farmers’ positions in the food supply chain to secure fair income, and designing additional financial support mechanisms to alleviate farmers’ financial pressures.
Moreover, it stressed the need for ensuring fair competition both globally and within the internal market and addressing trade measures with Ukraine in a balanced manner, aiming for a solution within the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement framework.A strong and sustainable agricultural sector is key to the EU's strategic autonomy.
— EU Council (@EUCouncil) March 22, 2024
In this regard, EU leaders called for:
📌reducing the administrative burden for farmers
📌strengthening farmers' position in the food supply chain
📌ensuring fair incomes and competition
#EUCO pic.twitter.com/nZw6uSB9A2
