“The EU will continue to provide strong economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as necessary,” European leaders stressed in the conclusions of the Ukraine Summit.

The European Council confirms the EU’s readiness to provide sustainable military support in Ukraine for as long as necessary, in particular through the EU Military Assistance Mission and the European Peace Facility. He took stock of progress on the delivery and joint procurement of one million rounds of ammunition and artillery rockets for Ukraine.

The European Council discussed the efforts to further increase pressure on Russia in order to weaken its ability to wage offensive war, among other things through sanctions, their full and effective implementation and the prevention of their circumvention. In this context, it welcomes the approval of the 11th sanctions package. The European Council calls on the co-legislators to swiftly complete work on the proposed directive on the approximation of criminal offenses and sanctions for breaching EU restrictive measures.

European Council condemns continued military support for Russia’s war of aggression provided by Iran and Belarus. “Belarus must stop allowing the Russian armed forces to use its territory, including for the development of tactical nuclear weapons. Iran must stop providing drones to Russia,” the conclusions state.

The European Council recognizes Ukraine’s commitment and substantial efforts to fulfill the necessary conditions in its EU accession process and encourages it to continue on the path of reforms. The European Union will continue to work closely with Ukraine and support its efforts to fully fulfill all conditions.

In the conclusions on “Security and Defence”, European leaders point to the need to strengthen the technological and industrial base of the European defense sector and “make it more innovative, competitive and resilient, especially in a new strategic environment that requires defense readiness and a significant increase in Europe’s long-term strategy and ability to take greater responsibility for its own defence.

The European Council calls for progress in all areas of action on the delivery and joint procurement of ammunition and missiles, particularly on the Ammunition Support Production Act (ASAP) with a view to its speedy passage. It also welcomes the agreement reached to strengthen the European defense industry through the Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA) and calls on the Commission to propose a European Defense Investment Program (EDIP) to strengthen the capability and resilience of the European defense technological and industrial base, including small and medium enterprises.

Finally, the European Council welcomes the decision to further increase the financial ceiling of the European Peace Fund by EUR 3.5 billion in order to also continue military support to Ukraine and to maintain the Union’s ability to prevent and respond quickly to crises and conflicts and develop capabilities through its educational missions.