President Ursula von der Leyen participated yesterday in the summit of the European Council which focused on the ongoing work on European defence, geoeconomics, the EU's support for Ukraine, and the current situation in the Middle East.
EU Leaders took stock on everything that has been done in the last months to boost investment and spending on defence thanks to the Readiness 2030 Plan. As President von der Leyen explained during the closing press conference, 16 Member States have activated the National Escape Clause to increase defence spending and 10 have expressed interest in benefitting from loans under SAFE, following its recent adoption by the Council.
The President also made reference to the recent simplification package for defence put forward by the Commission and called on co-legislators to adopt it swiftly. Likewise, she talked about the increased cooperation with foreign partners with whom the EU shares security interests: "Beyond our borders, we are building Security and Defence Partnerships to achieve strategic depth. Eight so far, including Japan, South Korea, UK and Canada. And soon, Australia."
Leaders discussed the EU's competitiveness and geoeconomic interests as negotiations on trade with the American administration continue. President von der Leyen informed Leaders about her meeting with President Trump in the margins of the G7 and their agreement to speed up negotiations.
"Our message today is clear: We are ready for a deal. At the same time, we are preparing for the possibility that no satisfactory agreement is reached. This is why we consulted on a rebalancing list. And we will defend the European interest, as needed. In short, all options remain on the table," the President told journalists.
The European Council also exchanged via videoconference with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine and reiterated its support for a just and lasting peace. President von der Leyen highlighted the support that the EU has provided recently, including through the windfall profits from frozen Russian assets. She insisted on the need to deliver swiftly on the 18th package of sanctions in order to keep up the pressure on Russia.
She also referred to Ukraine's accession path saying: "Under relentless fire, Ukraine is passing reform after reform. It's impressive. This is why the Commission defends the opening of the first cluster of negotiation. Ukraine has delivered – now we must too. Because the accession process is based on merit. And Ukraine merits moving forward."
Furthermore, the Leaders reiterated their call for stability in the Middle East. They welcomed the ceasefire and insisted on the importance of Iran not gaining access to nuclear weapons. On Gaza, they reiterated the call for a ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and unrestricted access of humanitarian aid.
This summit was the last one under the Polish Presidency of the Council. President von der Leyen commended Prime Minister Donald Tusk for the achievements of the presidency.
"Your Presidency was challenging, but you delivered. You closed 37 major legislative files and reached negotiating mandates on another 18. Those are impressive figures. You advanced support to Ukraine, with agreements on our 16th and 17th sanctions packages and new tariffs on Russian and Belarusian goods. You helped fast-track the SAFE Regulation and moved forward with the European Defence Industry Programme, to make our common home stronger and safer. So Donald, thank you for your leadership and your commitment to Europe – today and always."
