“Determination, unity and leadership” is the message, European Council President Charles Michel said, sent by the EU with its latest decisions on Ukraine to open accession talks and endorse a new financial aid package for the country. The EU will “not be intimidated by Russia”, and will support Ukraine for “as long as necessary”, he added. Michel repeated the EU’s promise to provide the country with more ammunition and said “each euro mobilised for Ukraine is an investment in our own security, prosperity and stability”.

On the Middle East, President Michel said the EU must do its utmost to prevent a regional escalation of the conflict, address the humanitarian emergency and continue advocating for the two-state solution. Restating that respect for international law is in the EU’s DNA, he strongly rejected applying “double standards” when assessing this conflict. Michel expressed understanding about the discontent and complaints of Europe’s farmers and…