Brussels, 17 October 2024
On 17 October, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine, the Middle East, ensuring a rules-based international order, competitiveness, migration, the Republic of Moldova, Georgia, external relations and other items.
Conclusions – 17 October 2024
I. UKRAINE
1. The European Council held an exchange of views with the President of Ukraine.
2. The European Council addressed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in all its dimensions and reviewed progress on the Union’s comprehensive support to Ukraine and its people as Ukraine exercises its inherent right to self-defence.
3. The European Council reiterates its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter, and reaffirms its continued support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. It also reconfirms the European Union’s unwavering commitment to providing continued political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes and as intensely as needed. Russia must not prevail.
4. The European Council reiterates its support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, in line with the key principles and objectives of Ukraine’s Peace Formula. In follow-up to the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, the European Union and Member States will continue their intensive global outreach efforts to build the broadest international support and identify steps forward. The European Council also stresses that no initiative about Ukraine can be taken without Ukraine. The European Union will remain closely involved in the matter and further joint international efforts. The European Council welcomes the holding of the Ukraine-South East Europe Summit on 9 October 2024 in Dubrovnik.
5. The European Council reviewed work done on the delivery of military support to Ukraine. It calls on the Council to swiftly finalise work on the European Peace Facility assistance measures that will further incentivise the delivery of military support to Ukraine. The European Council calls for rapid stepping up of military support and acceleration in its delivery, in particular air defence systems, ammunition and missiles, which are urgently needed to protect Ukraine’s population and critical energy infrastructure, and underlines the importance of increasing support for Ukraine’s defence industry. The European Council also welcomes the progress reached on the extension of the mandate of the EU Military Assistance Mission, takes note of ongoing work on its strategic review, and calls on the Council to swiftly adopt an updated mandate.
6. The European Council underlines the importance of living up to the commitment made at the G7 Apulia Summit to provide together with G7 partners approximately EUR 45 billion (USD 50 billion) by the end of the year to support Ukraine’s current and future military, budget and reconstruction needs. In this respect it invites the High Representative and the Commission to engage with Ukraine on each of those components. Subject to EU law, Russia’s assets should remain immobilised until Russia ceases its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates it for the damage caused by this war. In full respect of the security and defence policy of certain Member States, the European Council welcomes the agreement on the use of extraordinary revenues stemming from Russia’s immobilised assets, while continuing to address all relevant legal and financial aspects. It will aim to ensure fair sharing and solidarity between G7 partners as well as with those Member States that are particularly exposed to financial and legal risks.
7. Military support will be provided in full respect of the security and defence policy of certain Member States and taking into account the security and defence interests of all Member States.
8. The European Council strongly condemns the persistent shelling by Russia of Ukraine’s critical energy and civilian infrastructure. It supports all efforts, both public and private, to urgently increase Ukraine’s energy security before the winter and address the immediate humanitarian and civil protection needs of the Ukrainian population while making Ukraine’s energy system more resilient in the long-term. The European Council stresses that any action that endangers the safety and security of nuclear facilities is unacceptable and welcomes the efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency to monitor the situation and assist in maintaining nuclear safety and security. In this context, it calls for the further integration of Ukraine’s energy system with the Union’s energy network, and for concrete action to be taken in this respect. The European Council acknowledges the important role played by Member States in the neighbouring region.
9. The European Council condemns the destruction of port infrastructure and attacks on commercial ships. It opposes the weaponisation of food, which undermines global food security, affecting vulnerable people and regions most in need.
10. The European Council is extremely concerned about reports of executions by Russian forces of Ukrainian prisoners of war. It underlines that international humanitarian law, including on the treatment of prisoners of war, must be respected at all times. No crime can remain unpunished.
11. The European Union remains ready to further limit Russia’s ability to wage war, including by further sanctions and, as called for and in line with the European Council conclusions of April 2024, import tariffs on Russian and Belarusian agricultural products. The European Council reiterates its call for the full and effective enforcement of sanctions and for further measures to counter their circumvention, including through third countries.
12. The European Council strongly condemns third countries’ continued support for Russia’s war of aggression and urges them to cease all assistance. This includes not only direct military support but also the provision of dual-use goods and sensitive items that sustain Russia’s military industrial base. In coordination with international partners, the European Union has responded swiftly to this threat to European and global security, including with a package of new and significant restrictive measures against Iran, which includes the designation of individuals and entities involved with Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programmes.
13. The European Union remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s repair, recovery and reconstruction, in coordination with international partners. The next Ukraine Recovery Conference will be hosted by Italy in July 2025.
14. The European Union will continue to work closely with Ukraine and support its reform efforts on its European path.
15. The European Union remains committed to supporting persons displaced by this war, both in Ukraine and in the European Union, including through adequate and flexible financial assistance to the Member States who carry the largest burden of the medical, education and living costs of refugees.
II. MIDDLE EAST
16. The European Council is deeply alarmed by the dramatic military escalation in the Middle East and the risk this represents for the entire region. It calls on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, put an end to all hostilities immediately and fully abide by international law, including international humanitarian law. The European Union is fully committed to helping de-escalate the situation and reduce tensions.
17. The European Union remains committed to continuing to provide its needs-based assistance to people in the Middle East with particular attention to the most vulnerable, scaling up its humanitarian engagement given the increasing needs.
18. The European Council condemns in the strongest terms the Iranian attacks on Israel on 1 October 2024 and Iran’s seriously destabilising actions throughout the Middle East through terrorist and armed groups – including the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas – which constitute a serious threat to regional stability. It reiterates Israel’s right to defend itself and the European Union’s commitment to Israel’s security and to regional stability. International humanitarian law must be respected by all parties and the dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliations must end.
19. The European Council expresses its utmost concern regarding the military escalation in Lebanon, and deplores the unacceptable number of civilian casualties, the forced displacement caused by the escalating violence and the persistent use of military force. It recalls the need to ensure that civilians are protected at all times, that civilian infrastructure is not targeted and that international law is respected. Rocket attacks by Hezbollah must stop. Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. The European Council calls for an immediate ceasefire across the Blue Line and for full and symmetrical implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. It also calls on all partners to respond to the growing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. The European Union will continue to provide support to the people affected, including refugees, internally displaced persons and host communities. The European Council reaffirms the need to achieve conditions for safe, voluntary and dignified returns of Syrian refugees, as defined by UNHCR. It reiterates the Union’s strong support for the state institutions of Lebanon, including the Lebanese Armed Forces. The International Conference in Support of Lebanon’s People and Sovereignty to be held in Paris on 24 October 2024 will contribute to that effort. The European Council calls on all partners of Lebanon to contribute to strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces and reaffirms the Union’s readiness to facilitate international coordination of such efforts as appropriate.
20. The European Council condemns the attacks against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which left several peacekeepers wounded. Such attacks constitute a grave violation of international law, are totally unacceptable and must stop immediately. The European Council recalls that all actors have an obligation to take necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times. The European Council supports the fundamental stabilisation role of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon, and calls on all parties to protect and support UNIFIL’s important mission. The European Council urges all parties to fully uphold their obligations to guarantee the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel at all times, and to allow UNIFIL to continue to implement its mandate.
21. Following the tragic anniversary of Hamas’ brutal terrorist attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023, the European Council condemns once again in the strongest possible terms such unjustified acts of deliberate violence and stands with the families of the victims and the hostages taken by Hamas.
22. The European Council reiterates its call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages, the urgent improvement of access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale throughout Gaza, and an enduring end to hostilities, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2735. To this end, it supports the mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States. It also recognises the central role of Jordan in de-escalating the crisis and emphasises the importance of the stability and security of Jordan and Egypt and their borders. The European Council deplores the unacceptable number of civilian casualties, especially women and children, in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the catastrophic levels of hunger and imminent risk of famine caused by the insufficient entry of aid into Gaza. It also recalls the need to fully implement the International Court of Justice orders.
23. The European Council recalls its June 2024 conclusions and strongly condemns the further escalation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, following increased settler violence, the expansion of illegal settlements and Israel’s military operation. It invites the Council to take work forward on further restrictive measures against extremist settlers and against entities and organisations which support them.
24. The European Council reiterates the European Union’s unwavering commitment to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace based on the two-state solution and the Union’s support to the Palestinian Authority to help address its most pressing needs and support its reform agenda. The European Union will actively support and engage with international partners on concrete irreversible steps towards the two-state solution reviving a political process to this end, including through the holding of an international peace conference as soon as possible. The European Council stresses that a credible pathway to Palestinian statehood is a crucial component of that political process.
25. The European Council affirms its full and unwavering support to the UN Secretary- General. Nowhere should the UN Secretary-General be declared ‘persona non grata’. The European Council stresses the essential role of the UN and its agencies, notably UNRWA which provides crucial support to the civilian population, both in Gaza and the wider region. Continued implementation of the UNRWA Action Plan is key. The European Council condemns any attempt to abrogate the 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA or to otherwise attempt to obstruct its capacity to operate its mandate.
26. The European Council also discussed the situation in the Red Sea and calls on the Houthis to stop immediately all attacks and to allow maritime security to be restored. It underlines the crucial contribution of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and EUNAVFOR ATALANTA in promoting maritime security and freedom of navigation.
III. ENSURING A RULES-BASED INTERNATIONAL ORDER
27. In a time of heightened conflict and tension, alongside an alarming trend of disregard for international law, the European Council reaffirms its unwavering commitment to effective multilateralism and to the rules-based international order with the United Nations at its core, steadfastly upholding the UN Charter and the rules and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, including those of sovereignty and territorial integrity, political independence and self-determination.
28. The European Council remains committed to ending impunity and ensuring accountability for violations of international law and international humanitarian law, throughout the world, and recalls the importance of supporting and implementing decisions of international courts.
29. The European Council welcomes the adoption of the Pact for the Future which aims at reinvigorating the multilateral system, and making the United Nations fit for the future.
IV. COMPETITIVENESS
30. Following its conclusions of April 2024, and in line with the 2024-2029 Strategic Agenda, the European Council calls for more efforts to enhance the Union’s competitiveness, strengthen its economic resilience, secure its industrial renewal and achieve the full potential of the Single Market, ensuring a level playing field both internally and globally. It highlights the urgency of taking effective action.
31. The European Council calls on all EU institutions, Member States and stakeholders, as a matter of priority, to take work forward, notably in response to the challenges identified in the reports by Enrico Letta (‘Much more than a market’) and Mario Draghi (‘The future of European competitiveness’).
32. This issue will be addressed at the informal meeting in Budapest in November and the European Council will continue to regularly provide strategic guidance with a view to ensuring the implementation of the Union’s ambitious competitiveness deal.
33. The European Council held a discussion on the integrated country-specific recommendations as discussed by the Council, thus allowing the conclusion of the 2024 European Semester.
V. MIGRATION
34. The European Council held an in-depth strategic discussion on migration in all its dimensions and across all routes. It recalls that migration is a European challenge that requires a European response.
35. The European Council calls on the Council, the Member States and the Commission to strengthen work on all strands of action in the comprehensive approach to migration outlined in February 2023. It takes note of the recent letter by the President of the Commission. The European Council stresses the importance of implementing adopted EU legislation and application of existing legislation, in order to best address the current challenges.
36. The European Council also calls for enhanced cooperation with countries of origin and transit, through comprehensive mutually beneficial partnerships, to address root causes and to fight trafficking and smuggling with a view to preventing loss of life and irregular departures. Visa policy alignment by neighbouring countries is an important element in this regard. Safe and legal pathways in line with national competences are key for regular and orderly migration.
37. The European Council calls for determined action at all levels to facilitate, increase and speed up returns from the European Union, using all relevant EU policies, instruments and tools, including diplomacy, development, trade and visas. It invites the Commission to submit a new legislative proposal, as a matter of urgency.
38. Russia and Belarus, or any other country, cannot be allowed to abuse our values, including the right to asylum, and to undermine our democracies. The European Council expresses its solidarity with Poland and with Member States facing these challenges. Exceptional situations require appropriate measures. The European Council recalls its determination to ensure effective control of the Union’s external borders through all available means, including with the support of the European Union, in line with EU and international law. It reaffirms its commitment to countering the instrumentalisation of migrants for political purposes.
39. In addition, new ways to prevent and counter irregular migration should be considered, in line with EU and international law.
40. The European Council recalls the importance of the proper functioning of the Schengen area, in accordance with the revised Schengen Borders Code.
41. The European Council will revert to the matter.
VI. REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
42. The European Council underlines the European Union’s steadfast support for the Republic of Moldova and its accession path. It commends the consistent commitment of the authorities of the Republic of Moldova to the reform process and invites them to pursue reforms and to strengthen the country’s resilience and stability.
43. The European Council condemns Russia’s persistent foreign information manipulation and interference to attempt to undermine democratic elections and the choice of the Moldovan people for a prosperous, stable and peaceful European future.
44. The European Council welcomes the adoption of the third package of sanctions against those responsible for actions aimed at destabilising, undermining or threatening the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova. The European Council reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Republic of Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
VII. GEORGIA
45. The European Council reaffirms the Union’s readiness to support the Georgian people on their European path. At the same time, it reiterates its serious concern regarding the course of action taken by the Georgian government, which runs counter to the values and principles upon which the European Union is founded.
46. The European Council recalls that such a course of action jeopardises Georgia’s European path, and de facto halts the accession process. It calls on Georgia to adopt democratic, comprehensive and sustainable reforms, in line with the core principles of European integration. The European Council will continue monitoring the situation closely.
47. The European Council expects the upcoming parliamentary elections to be free and fair, in line with international standards and with unhindered access for international and domestic election observers. The European Council stresses the need to protect a free, independent and pluralistic media.
48. The European Council reaffirms the European Union’s unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. It underlines the European Union’s continued commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and its policy of non-recognition and engagement.
VIII. EXTERNAL RELATIONS
Sudan
49. The European Council expresses its deepest concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation arising from the conflict in Sudan and strongly condemns the indiscriminate and direct targeting of civilians which is worsening the humanitarian crisis. All parties must abide by their obligations under international law to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian access. The European Council reiterates its urgent call to all parties to the conflict to seek an immediate cessation of hostilities, leading to a sustainable resolution of the conflict, through dialogue. The European Union will continue to provide humanitarian support and calls on the international community to swiftly disburse the pledges made at the International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and neighbouring countries.
Venezuela
50. The European Council remains extremely concerned about the situation in Venezuela and the human rights violations reported following the 28 July 2024 presidential election. It urges the Venezuelan authorities to respect the democratic will of the Venezuelan people and to end violence, repression and harassment of the opposition and civil society. Political prisoners must be released. Only complete and independently verifiable results will be accepted and recognised.The European Union will continue to work with regional partners to support the Venezuelan people in their democratic aspirations. It stands ready to support a constructive and inclusive transition with guarantees for both sides, to resolve the country’s political impasse and restore democratic institutions peacefully. The European Union is ready to mobilise all the instruments at its disposal to support democracy in Venezuela. Venezuelan authorities must put an end to the groundless accusations against EU countries, and fully respect the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations, granting full and unhindered consular access to European citizens detained in Venezuela.
Morocco
51. The European Council takes note of the European Court of Justice’s recent judgments relating to the 2019 EU-Morocco agreements. The European Council and the Council will continue to define foreign policy in accordance with the Treaties. The European Council reaffirms the high value the European Union attaches to its strategic partnership with Morocco and reiterates the need to preserve and continue strengthening close relations with Morocco in all areas of the Morocco-EU partnership.
Haiti
52. The European Council remains extremely concerned about the situation in Haiti. It calls for the full deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission to assist the Haitian National Police in combating gang violence and restore the rule of law. It also calls for new targeted sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for violence, with the objective of helping to restore peace, security, stability, democracy and the rule of law in Haiti.
IX.OTHER ITEMS
Hybrid threats
53. The European Council strongly condemns Russia’s intensifying campaign of hybrid activities targeting the European Union, its Member States and partners. It welcomes the adoption of EU restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities. The European Union and the Member States will continue to strengthen their resilience and make full use of the EU hybrid toolbox to prevent, deter and respond to Russia’s hybrid activities.
High energy prices
54. The European Council discussed the situation resulting from the high and volatile electricity prices in some parts of Europe and invites the Commission to urgently propose measures addressing this issue.
Conferences of the Parties of United Nations Conventions
55. The European Council took stock of preparations for the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29), for the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Cali, Colombia (COP16), and for the Conference of the Parties of the Convention to Combat Desertification in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (COP16), and calls for ambitious action given the context of increasing damage and disruption due to climate change, biodiversity loss, desertification, land degradation and pollution. In a demonstration of global solidarity,the European Council reiterates the Union’s commitment to deliver on financing goals, and calls on third countries to also deliver their share.
Fight against all forms of discrimination
56. The European Council welcomes the approval of the Council declaration of 15 October 2024 on fostering Jewish life and combating antisemitism. It reiterates its serious concerns about recent alarming incidents and condemns in the strongest possible terms all forms of discrimination, including antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred, intolerance, racism and xenophobia.
European Council Conclusions as PDF
Remarks by President Charles Michel at the joint doorstep with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy
It’s always a pleasure and an honour to welcome the President of Ukraine here in Brussels. In a few minutes, we will have an exchange of views following your presentation of the Victory Plan. I have two messages for the people of Ukraine and for you, dear president.
First, we are on your side for as long as it takes, whatever it takes. We know that you need more military support and more financial support. This is urgent. We will see how we can speed up more immediate support for the people of Ukraine from a military and a financial point of view.
Second, the future of Ukraine is within the EU. In recent months, we have made a lot of progress on both sides. I commend your personal leadership and the way in which you and your team are implementing the needed reforms. We do not underestimate the momentum and can see the difficulties at the geopolitical level. Winter is coming. There is a lot going on everywhere across the world and, more than ever, we need a clear message.
Your presence here sends a very powerful political message. We are on the same side, share the same dreams and the same values. We are impressed by the bravery and the courage of the people of Ukraine and by your personal bravery. You can count on the EU.
Opening remarks by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Michel following the meeting of the European Council of 17 October 2024
Brussels, 17 October 2024
I want to focus on the three main topics that we discussed today, that is the visit of President Zelenskyy, the Middle East and then the topic of migration.
The presence of President Zelenskyy today, when he presented his victory plan, was indeed a testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of this brutal war. A war that will soon reach its 1000th day. During this time, the European Union has stood by Ukraine, steadfast, determined. One thing was very clear from today’s discussion as well: Our support to Ukraine is unwavering and it will last for as long as it takes. This support includes of course the delivery of military equipment. But also now the energy support to keep the lights on and the houses warm during the winter. You know that Russia has destroyed about 75% of the energy infrastructure in Ukraine. But, together with our Member States, we are repairing; we are providing, through reverse flow, energy to Ukraine; and we are doing everything possible to decentralise the energy supply because it is much harder for Russia to attack, for example, solar panels, and it is much easier for Ukraine to defend decentralised energy production. But our support to Ukraine also includes the economic stability of the country. As you know, Europe is working on a loan of up to EUR 35 billion, as part of the G7 pledge. This loan to Ukraine will be served by the proceeds of the immobilised Russian assets. So the message here is also very clear: Russia has to pay for the damages it caused. We also were discussing our overall goal: We want to support a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, one that upholds its sovereignty and territorial integrity. In parallel, we are also preparing for what will come after peace is achieved. Of course, we will help Ukraine to reconstruct. And we are accompanying Ukraine on its path to the European Union accession. Let me focus one moment on this point. We had the first intergovernmental conference in June, so Ukraine took a huge step forward. The bilateral screening process is now ongoing. In parallel, we have the Ukraine Plan that includes crucial reforms for this accession path. And it is supported by the EUR 50 billion in the Ukraine Plan that are delivered following the achievement on reforms. So it is a EUR 50 billion investment over four years, from 2024 to 2027, and we see a lot of progress. Thanks to Ukraine’s progress, we have already disbursed over EUR 12 billion. We expect another tranche to be disbursed before the end of the year. So there is good progress.
We also discussed the situation in the Middle East. We are extremely concerned about the very dangerous situation in the region. We see the escalation in Lebanon. We saw Iran’s ballistic strike on Israel. All this heightens the real risks of a wider regional war. We continued around the table to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and in Lebanon, for the unconditional release of all hostages and for an end to the conflict. Likewise, there are urgent humanitarian needs in Lebanon to meet. Beginning of October, I announced an additional EUR 30 million. This comes on top of the 1 billion from the European Union in support for Lebanon that I announced in May of this year. Around the table, we also discussed conditions for a durable peace, leading to a two-state solution. Let me stress in particular one very important point: This lasting peace and the two-state solution can only be achieved with a stable, strong and reformed Palestinian Authority. As you know, the European Commission is working towards this goal. We already have a EUR 400 million emergency support package that has been in place since July. It supports for the moment for example the payment of salaries or pensions or the provision of basic services in the West Bank. But for us it is important that we do not only disburse the outstanding amount of EUR 110 million later this year but that we have a mid- and long-term support plan for the Palestinian Authority in place. This should keep the Palestinian Authority afloat until the end of the year. This is the first step in the right direction. We are also working round-the-clock with the Palestinian Authority on the second step. This is a more comprehensive multi-year programme, to support the Palestinian Authority and their own fiscal, economic and governance reforms so that the budget is stabilised until 2026. For all that we need a collective effort, politically and financially, from the international donor community. This starts with the Arab countries in the region. And of course, we also need Israel on board. Whatever the current difficulties, our responsibility is to continue the work for a better future.
Let me now turn to migration. As you know, we always discuss migration with two legs: one is the internal dimension, the other one is the external dimension. The Pact on Migration and Asylum is now EU law, and we are very much focused on its implementation. At the same time, we see migratory pressures that continue to evolve. So, we need to continue the work that we are doing. And I proposed in my letter to the Leaders to do this along different action points. First, indeed, there is the internal dimension: We are ready if necessary to accelerate the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum. This Pact has been constructed in a very balanced manner, responsibility and solidarity, so if we accelerate, we have to make absolutely clear that this balance is kept. But today the focus was more on the external dimension. First of all, on the comprehensive partnerships with countries that are neighbouring the European Union, third countries, we see that these partnerships are working. If you look at the Central Mediterranean Route, which we have been working on intensively, overall the arrivals are now down by minus 64% in the Central Mediterranean. We have also been working intensively on the whole topic of visa alignment, here specifically with the Western Balkans. And this is successful too, the irregular arrivals from the Western Balkans are down 77%. We have also taken the alignment with the visa policy of the European Union into the Reform Agendas of the Western Balkans to make sure that we are fully aligned. One of the main discussion points was a common approach on returns. Today, we see that from all those that have no right to stay in the European Union, only 20% of those who have a return decision are really returned to their countries of origin. We are working to improve this operational work, and we will soon present a new legislative proposal for that. We have one from 2018, but it is stuck in Parliament and Council, so we will come with a new proposal for returns. In this context, we also discussed innovative ways to counter illegal migration.
There are different options that have been discussed. First, the need to review the concept of a safe third country. What is a safe third country? How is it defined? Second, the idea of developing return hubs outside of the European Union. It has been discussed. And also, very much in focus: the work with UNHCR and IOM on what they call a whole-of-route approach. For instance, migrants that are stranded, for example in North Africa, we discussed support to UNHCR and IOM to return those migrants to their countries of origin, of course with financial support from the European Union. We also need to continue – and we have discussed that lot – tackling people smuggling and human trafficking. Here the legislation is 20 years old, so we have now a new proposal on the table, and I hope we can advance swiftly on that one. This is all the topic of irregular migration triggered by smugglers and traffickers. A completely different situation is the pressure that Poland is experiencing at the eastern land borders. And before Poland it was Finland, it was the Baltic States. What we see is that Putin and Lukashenka are exerting pressure on us, trying to undermine our security and our territorial integrity. These are hybrid attacks by state actors. And therefore, Poland and other Member States need to be able to protect our Union from those hybrid attacks. The same goes for Finland and the Baltic States, they have to be able to take measures that are temporary and appropriate. We are working on that with Poland right now, we have been working on these measures with Finland and with the Baltic States. We have also discussed this today. Overall, it was a very constructive and comprehensive discussion that we had.
Thank you.
Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell ahead of the meeting
Check against delivery!
Good morning.
The [European] Council will discuss about Ukraine and the Middle East, Georgia and Venezuela, which are four issues that matter from the point of view of our external relations.
In Ukraine, we will have President [of Ukraine Volodymyr] Zelenskyy explaining his ‘Victory Plan’. For us, from a practical point of view, the ‘Victory Plan’ is important. We have to make the link between the ‘Victory Plan’ and the ‘Peace Plan’. To win the war and to win the peace, both things have to go together. That is why we have to support Ukraine – not only from the military point of view, but also from the civilian point of view, in order to make this country continue working.
Electricity: no country can work without electricity. 70% of the electricity capacity production has been destroyed. We provided new generators, but the new generators are being destroyed in the following day. We have to stop the cycle of ‘they destroy, we repair’. It means more air support. It means more air support capacity in order to avoid the electricity system to be completely destroyed.
We have to continue supporting Ukraine, stronger and quicker. This is an existential war. Russia is an existential threat for Europe and I hope that Member States will continue supporting Ukraine. From my side, we continue with the training mission [EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine]. I hope that, finally, before the end of my term, I will get an agreement in order to deblock the payments of the European Peace Facility and to provide more military support to Ukraine.
In the Middle East, you know that yesterday we had the meeting with the Gulf cooperation countries. It was a very interesting meeting, a very lively debate on the situation in the Middle East. You can imagine different points of view about what is happening there. What is happening there is catastrophe, a chronification of a humanitarian crisis. 18,000 children [are] orphans. 20% of the Lebanese population had to leave. 400,000 children have to leave their houses in Lebanon, alone. Another attack on United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL). I hope the Council will strongly condemn the attacks of the Israeli forces against UNIFIL. What we see is the chronification of the humanitarian crisis.
Yes, the United States has been saying to Israel that they have to improve [access of] humanitarian support to Gaza – but they gave [as deadline] one month. One month of people being killed – it is too many people. I hope that the [European] Council will take seriously the situation of the United Nations. The United Nations have been attacked on all fronts by the Israeli government. [Secretary General António] Guterres being considered antisemitic; UNRWA being considered a terrorist organisation and [about to] be banned from acting inside Israeli territories, the United Nations troops being attacked and being told: “Go, you have nothing to do [here]”. All the United Nations system is being attacked. We cannot approve [this].
UNIFIL has a duty, and their soldiers are at risk. Member States decided that their troops will remain. They will remain because they have work to do. Maybe the mission of UNIFIL has to be reviewed to [fit] the current circumstances.
In Georgia there is a clear democratic backsliding. The next election will be the moment of truth and the Georgian people will have to decide which way they want to go: towards Europe or getting away from Europe. This is, for us, an important moment and for the Georgians even more because it is the future of the country which is at stake.
In Venezuela, the repression continues. The leaders of the opposition have to be in exile or hidden, and 2 000 people have been imprisoned. The harassment against the opposition continues. The European Union has to be ready to use all our tools, all our diplomatic capacity, all measures in order to support the people of Venezuela in their democratic fight.
The [European] Council will discuss about it, but be sure that we will take all the measures needed. We are ready to take all the measures needed in order to support the democracy in Venezuela – from now until the moment when Maduro will take [over] the Presidency, officially. We will insist on saying [that there will be] no recognition without verification. If there is no verification of the electoral results, [there will be] no recognition. Maduro will not be recognised as a democratically elected president if there is no verification of the results and, by the time being, there is not.
Thank you.
Q&A
Q. [Migration will be] one of the topics today. Is there [inaudible]?
Yes, you are right. Migration will be one of the most important topics to be discussed by the [European] Council. There are strong concerns; many countries considered that a new regulation has to be presented by the Commission. There is also the concern about the shockwaves that the conflict from the Middle East can send to Europe – imagine, hundreds of thousands of people leaving their houses. Maybe not having houses anymore to go back to, because they have been destroyed. This is certainly something that pushes migration – as the war in Syria did some years ago. The Middle East is the epicentre of a migration movement. So, it is clear that Member States are worried about that. Let’s see if they are asking for new regulations to the Commission. I do not know exactly how the discussion will go, but certainly this is a hot issue today in the [European] Council. Thank you.
Source – EEAS
EP President Metsola to European leaders: on migration the real solution is a European one
On Ukraine
It has been almost 1,000 days of aggression in Ukraine. We will, and we must, keep standing with Ukraine – and equally we need to reinforce our efforts for peace. A peace that is rooted in freedom; that is anchored in dignity and that is built on justice. A peace that is not a capitulation. A peace that protects our values. Anything less than that is no real peace at all.
When we talk about Ukraine’s future and putting an end to this terrible war, we need to be clear: only a strong, sovereign Ukraine can achieve that. The European Parliament stands firm in its conviction: nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.
Next week the European Parliament will take a final vote in plenary to support Ukraine with an exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance loan of up to 35 billion Euros. Politically and technically, we are proud to have done our work.
On Middle East
Alongside the recent escalation in Lebanon, including now involving the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon, it is more critical than ever to find a sustainable solution and to do so urgently. Europe has a role to play here and we cannot be found wanting.
The European Parliament’s position is clear. Our calls for the immediate release of the remaining hostages will remain steadfast. Our calls for a ceasefire will remain resolute. Our efforts towards de-escalation will remain strong. And our work for a real, dignified, sustainable, long-term peace in the region, based on two States that gives real perspective to Palestinians and security to Israel, will remain unwavering.
We cannot ignore the ripple effects of instability. What happens in Eastern Europe, in the Middle East, in Northern Africa or anywhere else near our borders, does not just stay isolated – it has consequences for Europe. Nowhere is this more visible than in the area of migration.
On Migration
The EU Migration and Asylum Pact, which we adopted earlier this year after a decade of political impasse, offers a pathway forward. But it will not work if, in moments of pressure, we undermine what we have built together. That is why it is important that we scale-up efforts to swiftly implement the Pact.
Our commonly agreed-to framework that protects our borders, but that is also fair with those eligible for protection, that is firm with those not eligible and who must be safely and swiftly returned, and that – critically – is harsh against the trafficking networks, including malign States like Russia and Belarus using hybrid threats, preying on the vulnerable and weaponising migration.
The nature of these hybrid threats [coming from Russia and Belarus] require us to think outside the box. We must respond to those actors who seek to abuse the systems we built for the betterment of man, against the very humanity they are meant to protect. And we can do so within the parameters of our values and legal frameworks.
The key here is cooperation. The real solution is a European solution – one that is broad, that is holistic, and that is sustainable. Because only a coordinated European approach can ensure the integrity of our Schengen area.
President Metsola´s full speech canbe found here.
Source – EU Parliament