Remarks by President Charles Michel at the press conference of the Special European Council

Good afternoon to all of you. We have reached an agreement on the multiannual financial framework, an agreement that demonstrates the leadership of the European Council and of the European Union. Back in December, we had already made significant progress by getting negotiations underway with Ukraine and Moldova.

Today, we are going a step further by uniting the 27 heads of state or government around this political agreement, which will make it possible to mobilise an extra €50 billion under the Ukraine Facility. I think that this decision sends a message to the Ukrainians and shows our determination to be fully mobilised to support their freedom and their future. It also sends a message to the people of Europe. It shows our unity and the leadership of the European Union. It shows that we are not intimidated by Russia, a country that flouts international law. It also sends a message to the United States and our partners around the world that support Ukraine and Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty and integrity.

The agreement is also a financial one that will enable us to focus on other, forward-looking issues, such as the Western Balkans, migration issues – particularly the external dimension of migration – but also technology and defence. And lastly, support for Ukraine, which is a top priority, and will remain a top priority, as shown today by this decision.

This support is also a military support for Ukraine. Today we had an in-depth discussion on the importance of making more effort for more ammunition, for more military equipment for Ukraine. We have made good progress in supporting Ukraine through the European Peace Facility. We have decided to task our ministers to finalise work. We understand that it is important to deliver. Today’s debate was extremely useful to make clear that we are determined to do more and to make sure that Ukraine gets the military equipment it needs to defend its country and to defend its future.

We also welcomed the political agreement on using windfall profits on Russian frozen assets to help rebuild Ukraine. Work will continue on this important track. We also discussed the need to address the question of the circumvention of sanctions. We are still determined to make sure that everything is done to reduce the possibilities of avoiding those sanctions which target Russia and the Kremlin.

We also discussed the situation in the Middle East. We do not have written conclusions on the Middle East, but once again, we had an in-depth exchange of views on the situation in that region.

I should like to try to summarise the main points of the European Council on this issue. Firstly, as Europeans, but also with the support of all member states, we are extremely determined to continue to be active in seeking to minimise the risks of regional escalation – the security challenge – and particularly in the Red Sea. We know just how crucial this is. Secondly, we are, of course, absolutely determined to continue to make a strong, unwavering case for the release of hostages with no conditions attached. And lastly, we are determined to continue working in partnership with the member states, but also with our international partners, so that humanitarian aid can reach Gaza.

We are well aware that this is something which is needed very seriously and urgently. Every civilian life counts, which is why we must remain highly mobilised. And finally, the third point I would like to mention, because it is an issue on which there was also very strong political convergence in the European Council: it is extremely important to resume the negotiation process for the two-state solution.

We strongly reaffirmed the call for a two-state solution, which must guarantee Israel’s right to exist and its right to security, and which must also ensure that two peoples can live in coexistence, peace and security, for which peace agreements will have to be reached, not only between Israel and Palestine, but also between Israel and all neighbouring countries. We also discussed the parameters and elements put forward by High Representative Josep Borrel as part of the idea of launching a peace conference with other partners and actors. We will undoubtedly revisit this issue at a forthcoming European Council and Europe’s ministers will continue to be very committed to this matter, which is of extreme importance.

Lastly, one final word. We are meeting at a time when, in a number of European countries, including Belgium – as can be seen, around this very building too – Europe’s farmers are demonstrating their anger, discontent and concerns for their future. It was important for leaders to have the opportunity to discuss this issue, which we have done, and to reaffirm more than just our commitment to the common agricultural policy, which is one of the key pillars of the European project. Beyond our commitment, we believe that the common agricultural policy has a key role to play. The President of the European Commission informed us about initial short-term measures that have been taken. She also informed us of a process that has been launched to bring together stakeholders in the agri-food industry, including farmers. Through the EU’s democratic process and a desire to listen and to ensure participation, this process will shape the way in which the common agricultural policy will continue to evolve going forward, so that it is as in tune as possible with the needs of Europe’s farmers, as well as with needs in terms of food sovereignty, health and the ability to tackle the various aspects affecting this economic sector, which is extremely important for the future of each and every one of us.

These are just some of the main points to emerge from this meeting. A meeting which has once again shown the European Council’s ability to surprise, to surprise in a positive way, with our unity and our ability to make decisions on difficult issues quickly, thanks to the preparatory work carried out with all our teams over the preceding weeks, since December, and since the day after the previous European Council, when we decided to convene this Special Council in order to finalise decisions and send this message not just to Ukraine, but also to Europe’s citizens and our partners around the world.