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Its continuous and unwavering support for Ukraine is expected to be declared by the European Council on March 6th, according to the latest draft conclusions.
“The EU will continue to stand by Ukraine and its people. The European Council reaffirms its continuous and unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders,” the 27 European leaders are expected to emphasize in their conclusions after the Summit.
“Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine has wider implications for European and international security. Since the start of the war, the EU and its member states, with their partners and allies, have stressed the need to end it through a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law,” highlighted in the draft conclusions of the March 6th Summit.
In light of the new dynamics for the negotiations that should lead to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, the European Council is expected to underscore the following principles:
a) negotiations cannot occur regarding Ukraine without Ukraine
b) negotiations affecting European security cannot occur without Europe’s participation. The security of Ukraine, Europe, and the world are interlinked.
c) a ceasefire can only take place as part of the process leading to a comprehensive peace agreement
d) any such agreement must be accompanied by strong and reliable security guarantees for Ukraine that contribute to deterring future Russian aggression
e) peace must respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
European leaders are also expected to highlight that achieving “peace through strength” requires Ukraine to be in the strongest possible position, defensively and militarily. This applies before, during, and after negotiations to end the war. To this end, the “27” are expected to emphasize that “the EU remains committed, in coordination with like-minded partners and allies, to providing enhanced political, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people and to intensify pressure on Russia to weaken its capability to continue its aggressive war.”
The conclusions will also highlight that the EU will continue to provide economic support to Ukraine, specifically in 2025, a total of 30.6 billion euros will be provided, with disbursements of 12.5 billion euros from the Ukraine Facility and disbursements of 18.1 billion euros under the package agreed at the G7 level in June 2024.
“A Ukraine capable of defending itself effectively is an integral part of any future security guarantees,” emphasized in the draft conclusions. The European Council is expected to welcome the readiness of member states to further address Ukraine’s pressing military and defense needs and calls on the Council to advance the work to strengthen the EU’s military support to Ukraine.
European leaders are also expected to emphasize the need to intensify efforts to further support and develop Ukraine’s defense industry and deepen its cooperation with the European defense industry.
Finally, it is expected to emphasize that member states are ready to further contribute to Ukraine’s security guarantees, based on their respective competencies and capabilities, including exploring the possible use of Common Security and Defense Policy instruments. It is noted that security guarantees should be taken in consultation with Ukraine, as well as with like-minded and transatlantic partners. Military support and security guarantees for Ukraine will be provided with full respect for the security and defense policy of some member states and considering the security and defense interests of all member states. (4/3/2025)