European Council

The European Council strongly condemned Russia's air and missile attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, emphasized the urgent need to ensure Ukraine's air defense, and called for the accelerated and intensified provision of all necessary military assistance, including artillery ammunition and missiles.

President Zelenskyy called on European partners to increase the production and supply of weapons to Ukraine to strengthen its defense against Russian aggression, emphasizing the need for determination and financial support for Ukraine's defense, recovery and social stability.

Belgian authorities have launched an investigation into a Moscow-funded influence network in the European Parliament that paid MEPs to promote the Russian agenda. The network was uncovered by Czech and Polish intelligence agencies on the eve of the European Parliament elections.

The Three Seas Initiative summit adopted a joint declaration expressing a commitment to a more resilient Europe, a stronger transatlantic partnership, and unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.

The European Parliament refuses to "release" the budget of the EU Council until a decision is made to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot missile defense systems.

Moldova's ambassador to the EU expects Chisinau to start accession talks with the EU by the end of June 2024, moving faster than the Western Balkan countries in the accession process.

Portugal's new government, led by Prime Minister Luiz Montenegro, supports Ukraine's accession to the European Union, having put aside previous hesitations.

The EU called on Georgia to refuse to revise the draft law on "transparency of foreign influence" due to its potential impact on media freedom and Georgia's EU accession process.

European Council President Charles Michel arrived in Romania for the first time since the country partially joined the Schengen area, a step toward free movement of goods and people.

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the EU has provided Ukraine with €31 billion worth of military equipment and plans to increase support through a new €5 billion fund and the redirection of excess profits from immobilized Russian assets.

Ukraine expects to start accession talks with the EU in June 2023 on the basis of a gentlemen's agreement with most EU countries.

The EU imposed new sanctions on 33 individuals and 2 organizations involved in the death of ussian opposition leader alexei navalny in a maximum security prison.

Zelenskyy called on EU leaders to provide Ukraine with more air defense systems and ammunition to protect its cities from Russian terror and defeat Putin in the battle for Ukrainian skies.

EU leaders have agreed to use money from frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine buy weapons, with the first €1 billion to be disbursed by July 1, reflecting the growing need due to the war in Ukraine.

The EU leaders unanimously called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and humanitarian aid.

The European Council has decided to start accession talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina, a key step on the country's path to EU membership.

Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need to receive Patriot and other air defense systems from partners to protect Ukrainian cities and communities from Russian missile terror.

Ukraine aims to start EU accession talks by the end of June, first by agreeing to open three chapters related to agriculture, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

During a meeting with the President of the European Council, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized the importance of adopting the draft negotiation framework for Ukraine's accession to the EU as soon as possible.

The EU recalled that Ukraine's progress towards EU membership will depend on its own merits and the EU's ability to accept new members, while recognizing Ukraine's commitment and progress despite the war with Russia.

Ukraine expects increased sanctions pressure on Russia and quick decisions on the confiscation of Russian assets, as well as continued military support from the EU.

A meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council will be held in Brussels on March 20 to discuss Russia's war against Ukraine, its consequences, Ukraine's integration into the EU, and bilateral relations.

European Council President Charles Michel arrives in Berlin to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the sidelines of the Weimar Triangle leaders' meeting to discuss further support and assistance to Ukraine.

President of the European Council Charles Michel sarcastically congratulated Vladimir Putin on his "convincing" victory in the sham presidential election in Russia, where there was no opposition, no freedom, no choice.

The EU has extended individual sanctions against Russians responsible for undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity for another six months until September 15, 2024, while maintaining restrictions on more than 2,100 individuals and entities supporting Russia's military aggression in Ukraine.

The European Parliament adopted a directive criminalizing the violation and circumvention of EU sanctions, establishing uniform definitions and minimum penalties for such offenses.

European Union leaders are ready to impose significant new sanctions on Iran amid reports that Tehran has provided ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine.

According to European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, the European Commission is expected to soon propose how to use the proceeds of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The proposals are likely to appear before the March EU summit, according to a senior EU official.

In March 2024, Ukraine expects to receive a negotiating framework for EU accession from the European Commission. The Ukrainian government has implemented the necessary recommendations.

Ursula von der Leyen, the current President of the European Commission, has been confirmed as the leading candidate of the European People's Party in the upcoming European elections.