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The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, spoke at the press conference following the emergency summit about a “decisive moment for Europe, for the security of Europeans.”
Within a month, he emphasized, the joint action of Europeans regarding defense has been implemented, due to the urgency created by new situations. During the summit, an initial package of proposals was presented in view of the “White Paper” on defense.
“We have made concrete decisions to provide new resources, new tools, new means for our defense capabilities. This means investing in our economy and protecting our citizens,” Costa declared.
“In full cooperation with NATO”
The leaders decided to invest in areas already identified by the European Defence Agency in full cooperation with NATO. More specifically, the President of the European Council said, these are investments in “air defense and missile defense, artillery systems, missiles and ammunition, unmanned aircraft and systems against unmanned aircraft, artificial intelligence, cyberspace and electronic warfare systems.”
Additionally, the leaders, Antonio Costa made known, will mobilize public and private funds, through the enhancement of urgently needed defense capabilities, while agreeing “that we need flexibility within the Stability and Growth Pact framework, as member states will invest much more in defense and our common fiscal rules need to allow them to do so in a stable and sustainable manner.”
At the same time, the European Investment Bank will grant more loans for the defense sector and will improve access to private financing. “We invest our money where our needs are,” summarized Mr. Costa.
On the issue of Ukraine, the support of the 26 leaders was expressed. He spoke sharply about the role of Hungary and what it means for Europe: “We are 26, she is alone,” he said. (7/3/2025)