Brussels (Brussels Morning) – European leaders acknowledge the urgency of bolstering weapon supplies to Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict with Russia. Funding options and defence industry development are debated.
The European Council meeting in Brussels finished with leaders recognising the need to boost weapon deliveries to Ukraine amid the country’s continuing conflict with Russia. However, there was no agreement as to the pace of these deliveries. The European Commission has been assigned to explore “all possibilities for mobilizing funds” and is anticipated to present a report by June.
“There is strong support to utilise at the moment, being the windfall profits or proceeds of immobilized assets, for military objectives for Ukraine and I told the leaders that if we are swift now in concluding the submission, we could disperse the first billion on the 1st of July,” European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen stated during a joint press conference with EU Council President Charles Michel on the determinations of the European Council meeting.
Additionally, the utilization of profits from the interest on frigid Russian assets for weapon purchases will be further examined within the EU Council. However, despite Ukraine’s mourning from intense Russian missile spells overnight, targeting energy infrastructure among other items, EU member states have not decided on how to boost funding for Ukraine’s weapon supplies.
One suggested solution, issuing joint EU defence bonds, has acquired mixed reactions. Countries like France, Estonia, and Poland back this initiative, while nations including Germany, Netherlands, and Austria, have voiced strong opposition. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte reiterated their resistance to this proposal in Brussels.
Charles Michel, President of the European Council, noted that the EU would not be intimidated by potential Russian reactions to plans using these profits for Ukraine’s defence. He claimed that it is fair for the profits 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 judgments to support Ukraine and to counter Russia and to sanction Russia. And we think this is fair that the earnings of those foreign assets will be used for Ukraine because they are the target of this aggression launched by Russia,” Michel highlighted.
His words are supported by the actions of the European Council, which adopted the 13th packet of sanctions against Russia, and called for “further efforts 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 emphasised the importance of the EU building its defence industry, especially in light of statements from Russian authorities suggesting war with Europe. Von der Leyen interpreted these statements as evidence of the Kremlin’s betrayal of the Russian people by suppressing facts and denying the state of war for the last two years.
Moreover, The European Council urges the unconditional release of all captives, an urgent humanitarian halt that guides to a durable truce, and the supply of humanitarian aid.
“The European Council recalls its earlier conclusions condemning Hamas in the strongest possible terms for its cruel and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel on 7 October 2023, recognizing Israel’s right to protect itself in line with international law and international humanitarian law, and calling for the quick release of all hostages without any precondition,” the European Council noted.
In a landmark decision, the European Council has decided to initiate accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking an important step in the country’s journey toward European Union membership. The Council has urged the European Commission to develop the negotiation framework, seeking its adoption by the Council as soon as Bosnia and Herzegovina meets the requirements outlined in the Commission’s recommendation from October 12, 2022.
The European Council also recognised the progress made by Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in implementing the necessary reforms required for their EU accession paths. Additionally, the European Council noted the continued efforts by Georgia towards meeting its reform preferences. The Council encouraged Georgia to persist in its progress on these essential reforms, underlining the EU’s commitment to sustaining the European aspirations of its Eastern partners.
