In his first plenary debate as president of the European Council, António Costa said EU heads of State and Government pledged “to strengthen Ukraine’s position for every scenario. Peace must be the peace chosen by Ukraine and by Ukrainians. For the sake of Ukraine’s security. For the sake of Europe’s security.” He reaffirmed the EU’s support for Ukraine “for as long as necessary, and whatever it takes, for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.”

EU leaders are fully committed to enlargement, he said, which they consider “the biggest geopolitical investment for peace and security, for our people and our continent.” On transatlantic relations, Mr Costa said that he was looking forward to working closely with the new US administration “to advance a positive and fair economic cooperation and to work on our shared priorities for prosperity and security, while – naturally – protecting our own interests…a stable, balanced and predictable trade…