António Costa
European governments are discussing a candidate to serve as a negotiator for talks with Putin on peace in Ukraine. Possible representatives include EU leaders.
The EU is considering the bloc’s budget for 2027 and support for Ukraine. The member states have still not agreed on the amount of future funding.
EU leaders supported Ukraine and pressure on Russia but did not agree on funding. Zelenskyy requested at least €70 billion for 2027.
Kaja Kallas spoke of difficult relations with the US over Russian fuel and restrictions on Starlink in Ukraine. Costa called for increased pressure on Russia.
The European Commission is aware of reports regarding Starlink restrictions for Ukraine. The EU is discussing Ukraine’s full association with the Govsatcom programme.
Renew Europe called on the EU to provide Ukraine with access to GOVSATCOM and purchase satellite services from European operators. This came after restrictions on Starlink.
Andris Kulbergs said that one less beer per year per European would help cover the costs of aid to Ukraine. He spoke ahead of the EU summit.
Ukraine has opened negotiating clusters 2 and 3 on its path to joining the EU. Zelenskyy called for the two remaining clusters to be opened by the end of the year.
The leaders of three countries called for permission to block burdensome EU laws. They also propose speeding up approval processes and reducing bureaucracy.
The prime ministers of Estonia and Latvia and the president of Lithuania called on the EU to ban the transit of Russian grain. The issue will be considered next week.
Zelenskyy and Costa discussed Russian strikes, negotiating clusters, and the winter energy package. Ukraine received a €1.2 billion EU tranche.
Following new Russian attacks, Zelenskyy reported that 14 people had been injured and two killed. He called on Trump and the EU to strengthen sanctions against Russia.
António Costa called for the creation of new EU taxes to finance defence and competitiveness. Germany is demanding a reduction in the bloc’s budget.
The EU aims to prepare a joint response to Russia’s hybrid threats by 2030. New sources of funding are being considered for this purpose.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that Ukraine must fulfill all the conditions for EU accession without exceptions. However, he is ready to share his integration experience.
Zelenskyy and European Council President Costa discussed Ukraine’s needs for antiballistic systems and financing. They also discussed support for exports after Russian strikes.
Leaders of the EU, Britain, Luxembourg, Moldova and Estonia, among others, arrived in Kyiv for Independence Day. António Costa, in particular, confirmed his visit.
Leaders of the Coalition of the Willing will meet on August 24 to discuss strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, pressure on Russia, and security guarantees.
Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa expressed support for the ICC and its independence after the US sanctions against court officials.
France, Germany and Britain are coordinating efforts to ensure Europe’s participation in future negotiations. They are concerned about possible exclusion from the dialogue by the Trump administration.
António Costa approved Spain's decisive actions to return migrants in Ceuta. The escalation of the migration crisis led to the death of at least 57 people.
European leaders condemned the Russian attack that violated Poland's airspace. They stated it poses a threat to Europe's security and promised to increase support for Ukraine.
The EU proposes to impose sanctions against over 1,600 companies that help Russia in the war against Ukraine. This is the largest sanctions package, which will increase the number of sanctioned entities by 50%.
The President of France and the Chancellor of Germany criticized the EU for opening communication with Putin, which caused a confrontation with other leaders. The leaders of Estonia, Denmark and the Netherlands supported their position.
European Council President Costa explained contacts with Russia as preparation for the peace process. The EU does not have a unified position on dialogue with the Kremlin.
The G7 will increase pressure on the Russian economy to limit its military capabilities. António Costa called this a step toward a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
President of the European Council António Costa called the week historic due to the start of negotiations on the first cluster. This is an important step toward Ukraine's membership in the EU.
G7 leaders adopted a joint declaration on support for Ukraine. António Costa confirmed the unity of all 27 EU member states and key international partners.
Latvian Prime Minister proposes that the EU appoint a representative for negotiations with the Russian Federation. Europe wants to have its own mandate to participate in the process of ending the war.
An advisor to the President of the European Council held two conversations with a Russian official to prepare for future negotiations. The EU is considering the possibility of appointing a special envoy.