“The EU is living a defining moment,” European Council President António Costa said, a moment marked by increasing geopolitical tensions and enormous pressure on the multilateral, rules-based international order. President Costa noted that the Russian war against Ukraine and the wider threat it poses for Europe has led the EU to make ambitious decisions to reinforce its defence and security: “We are putting our money where our mouth is”. Reiterating that “Ukraine’s security cannot be separated from Europe’s security”, President Costa promised to continue working to make Europe stronger, protect EU citizens and the Union’s social model, while enhancing competitiveness.

On behalf of the Polish Presidency, Minister for European Union Affairs Adam Szłapka said that at the 20-21 March European Council summit EU leaders will discuss how to end Russian aggression and secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. This should be a peace negotiated by Ukraine’s President…