President von der Leyen participated last Thursday and Friday in the meeting of the European Council that brought together the 27 Heads of State or Government.
The European Council reiterated its steadfast support for Ukraine two years after the beginning of Russia's war of aggression. During the summit, President von der Leyen joined EU Leaders in welcoming the Czech initiative that will procure Ukraine with much-needed ammunition to defend itself.
Likewise, the European Council endorsed the proposal by the Commission and the High Representative to use the extraordinary revenue from immobilised Russian assets to fund military equipment for Ukraine.
President von der Leyen also highlighted that this week Ukraine received the first €4.5 billion under the Ukraine Facility, which will provide Ukraine with regular and reliable funding.
The President also mentioned the Commission's proposal released on Friday to increase tariffs on Russian and Belarussian cereals, oil seeds, and derivative products. "There are several good reasons for making this proposal. It will prevent Russian grain from destabilising the EU market. It will stop Russia from using the revenues from the export of these goods to the European Union. And it will ensure that illegal Russian exports of stolen Ukrainian grain do not enter the EU market," the President said at the closing press conference.
EU Leaders also discussed Europe's need to increase its defence readiness and capabilities and welcomed the proposal by the Commission and the High Representative from early March on a European Defence Industrial Strategy. Leaders also invited the Council to take forward the accompanying proposal on a European Defence Industry Programme.
Another decision adopted by the European Council was to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, as recommended by the Commission last week.
President von der Leyen commended Bosnia and Herzegovina for the impressive strides it has taken in its path of European integration. "More progress has been achieved in just over a year than in over a decade," she said.
Discussing the situation in the Middle East, the Leaders called for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance. The Commission President echoed the call insisting on the urgency of humanitarian aid. She stressed that "Gaza is on the verge of famine – a catastrophic humanitarian situation. Full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access into Gaza via all routes is essential. 500 trucks or equivalent a day need to enter into Gaza on land, air and sea."
During the second day of their meeting, EU Leaders received the Prime Ministers of Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the European Economic Area (EEA).
During the Euro Summit, the Leaders took stock of the EU's financial and economic situation, with a specific look to the importance of capital markets. They invited the European Parliament and the Council to make progress on the Capital Markets Union 2020 action plan.
Finally, the Leaders held a debate on agriculture. President von der Leyen highlighted the actions taken by the Commission in the last weeks, including reducing administrative burdens and increasing flexibility under the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP). The President made specific mention of the Commission's proposal last week aiming to deliver simplifications in the CAP while maintaining a strong, sustainable and competitive policy for EU agriculture and food.
