Leaders of the European Union will consider issues of Ukraine's funding for 2027 at the upcoming European Council meeting at the end of the month, while the European Commission is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia, as announced today.
In a joint statement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa reported that the next European Council, to be held on November 26 and 27, will discuss Ukraine's urgent need for 2027 funding based on a proposal from the European Commission. Concurrently, the Commission will present its 22nd package of sanctions against Russia.
In a document released after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the European Political Community summit in Dublin, European leaders emphasized that 'Ukraine must negotiate from a position of strength.' They also noted that 'Russia must be convinced to sit down at the negotiating table with a genuine desire to achieve peace.'
During the meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council reaffirmed the European Union's 'unwavering' support for Ukraine during ongoing diplomatic efforts to find a solution to the conflict. Both leaders welcomed the talks held this week in Abu Dhabi and the new momentum given to the peace process, noting that the EU 'participated in these negotiations and will continue to participate in this format.'
Brussels guarantees the continuation of support for Kyiv, as it has since the Russian invasion in February 2022, with the aim of achieving a just and long-term peace that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and ensures European security. The discussion on Kyiv's funding takes place against the backdrop of the EU's efforts to ensure the necessary resources to maintain the functioning of the Ukrainian state and support defense efforts amid the ongoing war.
European support includes financial, military, humanitarian, and energy assistance, as well as support for the country's reconstruction and its integration with the community's institutions, considering Ukraine's status as an EU candidate. In their statement, both European leaders also stated that they are 'working on ensuring a viable plan for Ukraine's post-war recovery and actively supporting its path to joining the European Union.'
In light of the approaching harsh winter amidst the war, the European Commission announced new emergency support measures for the Ukrainian population. These include mobilizing 500 generators from strategic reserves of the rescEU mechanism to help maintain electricity supply, establishing emergency aid centers, and sending vital equipment. Furthermore, Brussels is supporting the delivery of four floating bridges from Norway and 200 buses.
Heads of state and government from more than 40 European countries, including Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, are gathering today in Dublin for the European Political Community summit, dedicated to the continent's security and competitiveness. The European Political Community, established in 2022 at France's initiative following the start of the war in Ukraine, is intended to be a platform for dialogue and cooperation on common interests between EU member states and neighboring countries.
