The first ever meeting of the European Council took place almost exactly fifty years ago. For the last five decades, we have built a culture of unity in diversity, a culture of compromise, and a culture of solidarity.
Cette culture de solidarité était très présente aujourd’hui : tous les membres du Conseil européen ont exprimé leurs profondes condoléances et leur pleine solidarité avec la population de Mayotte. J’ai déjà eu l’occasion de transmettre ce message au président de la République française, qui n’a pas pu être parmi nous aujourd’hui car il a dû se rendre dans cette région dévastée.
Our meeting today focused on two main issues: Ukraine and the European Union in the world.
On Ukraine, I can tell you that the mood in the room was one of strong determination. And our message remains crystal clear: the European Union stands united in its support to Ukraine to win a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. Not any peace, not capitulation. Only Ukraine, as the aggressed country, can legitimately define what peace means, and if and when the conditions are met for credible negotiations.
So now is not the time to speculate about different scenarios – now is the time to strengthen Ukraine for all scenarios. And the discussion today confirmed that the European Union is ready to do whatever it takes, as long as necessary, to put Ukraine in a position of strength for what comes next. This is the message that we gave to President Zelenskyy.
To achieve this objective, we are taking concrete steps: first, we will implement the 15th sanctions package against Russia we approved this week. This package closes loopholes and limits circumvention, and especially targets the so-called ‘shadow fleet’. Second, we have already delivered about €130 billion of financial support and we will deliver an additional €30 billion in 2025. Third, we will increase the pressure on those who directly or indirectly contribute to the international escalation of the war and damage international peace and security by supporting Russia. Finally, Ursula and I will continue to explore ways and means to increase the support to Ukraine.
A final word on Ukraine. Let me be very clear about what this conflict is about. Russia’s war of aggression is not just a war on European territory. It is a war against the international community. Because Russia is violating universal, fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law: sovereignty, territorial integrity, self-determination.
Which brings me to the second main focus of today’s meeting: the global engagement of the European Union. The starting point for this is clear: the world is multipolar. Multipolarity creates new opportunities to develop mutually beneficial partnerships with countries on all continents. To do so, we must give up oversimplified concepts, like ‘Global South’. And acknowledge that both the South and the North are, in fact, plural. That means the European Union needs to strengthen its relationships with third countries around the world based on shared priorities, such as reforming multilateral organisations, protecting international law, fighting climate change, preserving the oceans, or reducing poverty.
We also discussed our relations with the United States of America – they remain one of our closest partners. And the message is clear: the European Union is committed to continue working with the United States, pragmatically, to strengthen transatlantic ties.
The United Kingdom is another very strategic partner. There is a new positive energy in EU-UK relations, which we should explore further. That is why I went to London very early in my term, and why I invited Prime Minister Keir Starmer to attend the upcoming informal Leaders’ meeting on defence, on 3 February.
The European Council also discussed the Middle East, especially Syria. On Syria, we have agreed on the main principles and objectives of our approach in response to the fall of the Assad regime and to ensure a peaceful and inclusive transition: preserve Syria’s territorial integrity, ensure respect for human rights, including women’s rights, and protect religious and ethnic minorities. The European Union is already engaging with actors on the ground, the new authorities, and other regional actors. It is delivering much-needed humanitarian assistance inside Syria, and the European Union will increase its diplomatic presence in Damascus.
Finally, a word on what is to come: we will hold an informal meeting on defence on 3 February. Today we did not discuss economic issues. But they are fundamental for the lives of European citizens. I have therefore informed Leaders that the March meeting of the European Council will have a strong focus on competitiveness, prosperity, trade and jobs.