European Council
Brussels, 27 June 2024 (OR. en)
EUCO 15/24 – CO EUR 12 – CONCL 4 – NOTE
From: General Secretariat of the Council
To: Delegations
Subject: European Council meeting (27 June 2024)
– Conclusions
Delegations will find attached the conclusions adopted by the European Council at the above meeting.
EUCO 15/24
Conclusions – 27 June 2024
The European Council held an exchange of views with the President of Ukraine on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the European Union’s support to Ukraine and its people.
I. UKRAINE
1. The European Council recalls its previous conclusions on continued support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and 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. The European Council strongly condemns the recent escalation of hostilities by Russia, in particular the further intensified attacks against civilians and civilian and critical infrastructure, especially in the energy sector.
2. As Ukraine exercises its inherent right to self-defence, the European Council calls for the delivery of military support to Ukraine to be stepped up. In particular, air defence systems, ammunition and missiles are urgently needed to protect Ukraine’s population and critical energy infrastructure.
3. The European Council reviewed work done in terms of the delivery of military support to Ukraine, where further efforts are needed. 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 welcomes progress on the initiatives launched by several Member States regarding ammunition and missiles, fighter jets, air defence and training, and calls for their further reinforcement and acceleration. In order to better help meet the training needs of the Ukrainian military, the European Union stands ready to further increase the capacity of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine).
4. Following the adoption of the EU legal acts to direct extraordinary revenues stemming from Russia’s immobilised assets towards further military support for Ukraine, its defence industry capacity and its reconstruction, the European Council looks forward to the first disbursement this summer.
The European Council invites the Commission, the High Representative and the Council to take work forward, while addressing all relevant legal and financial aspects, in order to provide additional funding for Ukraine by the end of the year in the form of loans serviced and repaid by future flows of the extraordinary revenues with a view to reaching approximately EUR 50 billion together with G7 partners as discussed at the Apulia Summit, to support Ukraine’s current and future military, budget and reconstruction needs. 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.
5. The European Council welcomes the Joint security commitments concluded between the European Union and Ukraine as well as further bilateral security agreements concluded with Ukraine by Member States and partners.
6. Military support and EU security commitments 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.
7. The European Council welcomes the outcome of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine held on 15 and 16 June 2024 in Switzerland. The European Union and its Member States will pursue their efforts to build the broadest international support, especially from key developing countries and emerging economies, 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.
8. The European Union remains deeply concerned about the fate of all Ukrainian children and other civilians unlawfully deported and transferred to Russia and Belarus. The European Council reiterates its urgent call on Russia and Belarus to immediately ensure their safe return to Ukraine. It welcomes initiatives to help bring Ukrainian children home to their families and communities, including the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, in which the European Union now has observer status.
9. The European Council welcomes the outcome of the Ukraine Recovery Conference held on 11 and 12 June 2024 in Berlin. In view of the deteriorating humanitarian situation, notably in the frontline regions of Ukraine, it is imperative to continue providing humanitarian and civil protection assistance and to ensure humanitarian access. The European Union remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s repair, recovery and reconstruction, including demining assistance, in coordination with international partners. In that context, following the positive assessment by the Council of the Ukraine Plan, the European Council welcomes the swift disbursement of up to EUR 1.89 billion in pre-financing to help Ukraine with its recovery and reconstruction, which is particularly urgent in the energy sector.
10. The European Council calls for urgently stepping up support for Ukraine’s energy sector by the European Union and Member States, in coordination with partners. It invites the Commission, the High Representative and the Council to accelerate preparations to support Ukraine during the winter.
11. The European Council welcomes the recent renewal of the mandate of the EU Advisory Mission for Ukraine (EUAM). This will enable the mission to increase its efforts across Ukraine’s liberated and adjacent territories in support of the re-establishment of the rule of law and the return of state services to these areas.
12. The European Council welcomes the adoption of the 14th package of sanctions against Russia and the agreement on further restrictive measures against Belarus. It calls for the full and effective enforcement of sanctions as well as for further measures to counter their circumvention, including through third countries. The European Union remains ready to further limit Russia’s ability to wage war and urges all countries not to provide any material or other support for Russia’s war of aggression.
13. The European Union remains committed to seeing Russia and its leadership held fully accountable for waging a war of aggression against Ukraine and for other most serious crimes under international law, as well as for the massive damage caused by its war. The European Council welcomes progress and encourages further efforts on all work strands.
14. The European Council welcomes the adoption of the negotiating framework and the holding of the first Intergovernmental Conference on the accession of Ukraine. The European Union will continue to work closely with Ukraine and support its reform efforts on its European path.
II. MIDDLE EAST
15. The European Council discussed the latest developments in the Middle East.
16. The European Council reiterates its strongest condemnation of the brutal terrorist attacks conducted by Hamas and other terrorist groups against Israel on 7 October 2023. It expresses its full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirms its full commitment to its security and to regional stability. In exercising its right to defend itself, Israel must fully comply with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, in all circumstances.
The European Council stresses the importance of respecting and implementing the orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which are legally binding.
17. The European Council welcomes the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2735. The European Council calls for the full implementation of the terms of the ceasefire proposal without delay and without conditions, which would lead to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza, and an enduring ceasefire and end to the crisis, with Israel’s security interests and safety for Palestinian civilians assured.
18. Recalling the need to implement the ICJ Order of 24 May 2024, the European Council expresses deep concern about the consequences on the civilian population of the ongoing ground operations in Rafah.
19. The European Council deplores all loss of civilian life. It notes with utmost concern the unacceptable number of civilian casualties, especially children, as well as the catastrophic levels of hunger and imminent risk of famine caused by the insufficient entry of aid into Gaza. It calls on all parties to take every feasible step to protect civilian lives. The European Council reaffirms the urgency of full, rapid, safe and unhindered access to humanitarian aid at scale for Palestinians in need and of allowing and facilitating humanitarian workers and international organisations to operate effectively inside Gaza. In this context, it stresses that the services UNRWA provides in Gaza and across the region are essential and condemns any attempts to label a UN agency as a terrorist organisation. The European Council welcomes the action plan presented by UNRWA. Its implementation will be closely monitored. The European Council welcomes the sustained efforts by Jordan and Egypt to de-escalate the crisis, including the humanitarian conference held in Jordan on 11 June 2024.
20. The European Council condemns the recent strikes damaging the premises of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza. It calls on all parties to take all feasible precautions to avoid harm to civilians, humanitarian workers and facilities, as well as to grant the ICRC access to places of detention, in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law.
21. The European Council strongly condemns the ongoing extremist settler violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. It invites the Council to take work forward on further restrictive measures against extremist settlers. The European Council also calls for safe access to the holy sites and for the Status Quo to be upheld. The special status and character of Jerusalem and its Old City, the inviolability of its sacred spaces and the viability of all its communities must be preserved and respected by all. The European Council condemns the Israeli government’s decisions to further expand illegal settlements across the occupied West Bank and urges Israel to reverse these decisions.
22. The European Council expresses its concern about increasing tensions in the region, notably along the Blue Line, and the growing destruction and the forced displacement of civilians on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanese border. In line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the European Council urges all actors to exercise restraint, prevent further escalation and engage in international diplomatic efforts. The European Council condemns in the strongest possible terms any threats directed against EU Member States, that also contribute to escalation, and reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with Member States. The European Council invites the Commission and the High Representative to take work forward on strengthening EU support for Lebanon, including the Lebanese Armed Forces and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
23. The European Union reiterates its unwavering commitment to lasting and sustainable peace in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, on the basis of the two- state solution, with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign and viable State of Palestine living side-by-side in peace, security and mutual recognition. The European Union will continue to work with international partners towards reviving a political process to this end. The European Council notes that a credible pathway to Palestinian statehood is a crucial component of that political process. The European Union will actively contribute to a coordinated international effort to rebuild Gaza. It will also support the Palestinian Authority as it undertakes the necessary reforms and builds institutional capacities. The European Council stresses that actions weakening the Palestinian Authority must stop and calls on Israel to release withheld clearance revenues and to take the necessary measures to ensure that correspondent banking services between Israeli and Palestinian banks remain in place.
III. SECURITY AND DEFENCE
24. Recalling its conclusions of March 2024, and notably the need for Europe to reduce its strategic dependencies, to increase its overall defence readiness and capabilities and to further strengthen its defence technological and industrial base accordingly, the European Council discussed urgent, immediate and medium-term defence needs and European defence initiatives. It also held a first discussion on options for mobilising funding for European defence.
25. The European Council invites the Council, Member States, the Commission and the High Representative to take work forward on all strands, in line with their respective competences, in particular on:
- critical capability gaps based on the Capability Development Plan;
- the European Defence Industry Strategy (EDIS); and
- the proposal for a European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), with a view to its adoption by mid-2025.
26. The European Council invites the Commission and the High Representative to present developed options, to be discussed by the Council, for public and private funding to strengthen the defence technological and industrial base and address critical capability gaps.
27. Furthermore, the European Council welcomes the Security and Defence Action Plan adopted by the European Investment Bank Group and calls for its swift implementation. It calls on the European Investment Bank to assess and further adapt, as appropriate, its policy for lending to the defence industry, while safeguarding its financing capacity.
28. The above is without prejudice to the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States, and takes into account the security and defence interests of all Member States, and in accordance with the Treaties.
IV. COMPETITIVENESS
29. Following its conclusions of April 2024 and the Presidency report on work towards a new European competitiveness deal, the European Council reviewed progress on initiatives to enhance the Union’s competitiveness, secure its economic resilience and achieve the full potential of the Single Market.
30. In particular regarding the Capital Markets Union, the European Council calls on the Council and the Commission to accelerate work on all identified measures, including outstanding proposals, necessary for the creation of truly integrated markets which are accessible to all citizens and businesses across the Union and which benefit all Member States. It reiterates the sense of urgency and the importance of the Capital Markets Union in mobilising the substantial amount of private investment needed to meet the challenges ahead.
31. The European Council looks forward to swift and decisive progress on all strands of the new European competitiveness deal by the end of the year and will remain seized of the matter.
V. OTHER ITEMS
Migration
32. he European Council held a strategic discussion on migration and took note of the recent letter by the President of the Commission.
Black Sea
33. The European Council reaffirms the importance of security and stability in the Black Sea and invites the Commission and the High Representative to prepare a Joint Communication on building an EU strategic approach to the Black Sea.
Republic of Moldova
34. The European Union will continue to provide all relevant support to the Republic of Moldova to address the challenges it faces as a consequence of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and to strengthen the country’s resilience, security and stability in the face of destabilising activities by Russia, not least in the context of this autumn’s elections and referendum. The European Council welcomes Member States’ bilateral commitments to support the European Union Partnership Mission (EUPM Moldova) in order to enhance the resilience of the security sector.
35. The European Council welcomes the adoption of the negotiating framework and the holding of the first Intergovernmental Conference on the accession of the Republic of Moldova. The European Union will continue to work closely with the Republic of Moldova and support its reform efforts on its European path.
Georgia
36. The European Council expresses its serious concern regarding recent developments in Georgia. In particular, the law adopted on transparency of foreign influence represents backsliding on the steps set out in the Commission’s recommendation for candidate status. The European Council calls on Georgia’s authorities to clarify their intentions by reversing the current course of action which jeopardises Georgia’s EU path, de facto leading to a halt of the accession process.
37. The European Council calls for an end to the increasing acts of intimidation, threats and physical assaults against civil society representatives, political leaders, civil activists and journalists in Georgia. It recalls that respect for the values and principles upon which the European Union is founded is essential for any country aspiring to become a member.
38. The European Council calls on Georgian authorities to ensure that the parliamentary elections this autumn are free and fair and encourages substantial long-term and short-term election observation by partners. It will continue to closely monitor the situation.
39. The European Council reaffirms its unwavering support for the territorial integrity of Georgia. It reiterates its steadfast solidarity with the Georgian people and its readiness to continue supporting Georgians on their path towards a European future.
Hybrid threats
40. The European Council strongly condemns all types of hybrid activities, which are on the rise and target the European Union, its Member States and partners, including intimidation, sabotage, subversion, foreign information manipulation and interference, disinformation, malicious cyber activities and the instrumentalisation of migrants by third countries. Russia has intensified its campaign with new active operations on European soil. The European Union and Member States will meet such actions with a united and determined response.
41. In response to Russia’s destabilising actions abroad, the European Council reiterates its call for work to be taken forward in the Council to establish a new sanctions regime. The European Union will also continue to work closely with partners to detect and counter hybrid activities by third countries, including false narratives and disinformation.
Fight against antisemitism, racism and xenophobia
42. The European Council reiterates its condemnation in the strongest possible terms of all forms of antisemitism, hate, intolerance, racism and xenophobia, including anti-Muslim hatred.
VI. THE NEXT INSTITUTIONAL CYCLE
Appointments
43. The European Council elected António Costa as President of the European Council for the period from 1 December 2024 until 31 May 2027. It requested the Secretary-General of the Council to assist the elected President of the European Council in the transition period.
44. The European Council welcomed the decision of the Heads of State or Government of the Contracting Parties to the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union whose currency is the euro to appoint António Costa as President of the Euro Summit for the period from 1 December 2024 to 31 May 2027.
45. The European Council adopted the decision proposing Ursula von der Leyen to the European Parliament as candidate for President of the European Commission.
46. The European Council considers Kaja Kallas to be the appropriate candidate for High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, subject to the agreement of the President-elect of the Commission.
Strategic Agenda
47. The European Council adopted the Strategic Agenda for the Union for 2024-2029 as set out in the annex.
VII. ROADMAP FOR FUTURE WORK ON INTERNAL REFORMS
48. In order to make the EU stronger and enhance European sovereignty, the European Council underlines the need to lay the necessary internal groundwork and reforms to fulfil the Union’s long-term ambitions and address key questions related to its priorities and policies as well as its capacity to act in the face of a new geopolitical reality and increasingly complex challenges.
49. This work should advance in parallel with the enlargement process, as both the Union and future Member States must be ready at the time of accession.
50. To that end, the European Council sets out the following roadmap for future work:
a) The European Council takes note of the Commission’s Communication on pre- enlargement reforms and policy reviews and invites it to present by spring 2025 in- depth policy reviews containing operational elements on the following four strands:
i) values, including tools and processes to protect the rule of law;
ii) policies, to ensure inter alia the EU’s long-term competitiveness, prosperity and leadership on the global stage and to strengthen its strategic sovereignty;
iii) budget, including in the context of the next negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework for which the proposal will be presented by 1 July 2025; and
iv) governance.
b) The European Council takes note of the Presidency progress report on the future of Europe. It calls on the Council to take work forward and present a follow-up report by June 2025, reflecting on these four strands.
51. The European Council will review progress in June 2025 and give further guidance as needed.
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Source – European Council