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The continuation of military and defense support for Ukraine, aiming for peace “through strength,” is reiterated by the 26 European leaders, excluding Hungary, in their conclusions. At the same time, they call on Russia to show “genuine political will” to end the war.
According to the text adopted and “strongly supported” by the 26 heads of state and government, which is attached to the European Council conclusions, the following are highlighted:
The continuous and unwavering support of the European Council for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders is confirmed. The EU maintains its approach of “peace through strength,” which requires Ukraine to be in the strongest possible position, militarily and defensively. According to this approach, the EU remains committed, in coordination with like-minded partners and allies, to providing further comprehensive support to Ukraine and its people as it exercises its inherent right to self-defense against Russia’s aggressive war.
The European Council reaffirms its support for a “comprehensive, just, and lasting peace” based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law and welcomes all efforts to achieve such a peace. It recalls the principles set out on March 6, 2025, which should guide peace negotiations.
The European Council welcomes the joint statement by Ukraine and the USA following their meeting in Saudi Arabia on March 11, 2025, including proposals for a ceasefire agreement, humanitarian efforts, and the resumption of US information exchange and security assistance.
The European Council urges Russia to show genuine political will to end the war.
A credible path to peace must include humanitarian aid efforts, especially the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilians, and the return of all Ukrainian children and other civilians illegally deported and transferred to Russia and Belarus.
The EU remains ready to increase pressure on Russia, including through further sanctions and by strengthening the enforcement of existing measures.
Subject to EU law, Russia’s assets should remain immobilized until Russia stops its aggressive war against Ukraine and compensates for the damage caused by this war.
The EU and its member states will contribute to the peace process and help ensure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, which is in the interest of both Ukraine and Europe as a whole.
A comprehensive peace agreement, which respects Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, must be accompanied by strong and credible security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent future Russian aggression. The European Council welcomes efforts initiated in this regard together with like-minded NATO partners. The European Union and member states are ready to contribute to security guarantees, particularly by supporting Ukraine’s ability to defend effectively, based on their respective competencies and capabilities, in accordance with international law.
The EU will continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable economic support. The European Council calls on the Commission to promptly take all necessary measures to pre-provision financing under the Ukraine Facility and the G7 ERA initiative.
The European Council recalls the initiatives to strengthen EU military support for Ukraine, especially by the High Representative for coordinating increased support from member states and other participating countries, on a voluntary basis, particularly in large-caliber artillery ammunition and missiles, as well as in the military needs element of the G7 ERA initiative. It calls on member states to urgently step up efforts to address Ukraine’s pressing military and defense needs.
All military support and security guarantees for Ukraine will be provided with full respect for the security and defense policy of certain member states and considering the security and defense interests of all member states. (20/3/2025)
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The conclusions of the European Council on the Middle East