Brussels, 16 October 2024
I would like to invite you to the upcoming European Council meeting, which will take place in Brussels on 17 October 2024.
Ukraine will be central to our discussions. We will hear from President Zelenskyy about his proposed victory plan and work on the next steps to build consensus around a peace initiative rooted in the principles of the UN Charter and international law. We will also sharpen our focus on our financial engagement to Ukraine. I expect us to live up to our commitment made in June, together with G7 partners, to provide approximately EUR 45 billion (USD 50 billion) by the end of the year to support Ukraine’s military, budget and reconstruction needs. Despite these important advancements, we should also assess the support provided so far and intensify our efforts as winter nears. With over half of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure destroyed, winterisation efforts need urgent attention.
We will also focus on the Middle East. One year since the brutal Hamas terrorist attacks against the Israeli people on 7 October, the situation is escalating dramatically. On the ground, the humanitarian situation is worsening, with an unacceptable toll on innocent civilians. An immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages remain top priorities. The European Council must firmly push for de-escalation, and insist on respect for international and humanitarian law. The recent attacks on UN Peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon are irresponsible and unacceptable. The safety of UN personnel and humanitarian workers must be protected. We will also reaffirm our strong support for the UN and its Secretary-General.
In addition, we will address our competitiveness and economic resilience. Our aim is to pave the way for the successful implementation of an ambitious Competitiveness Deal, the parameters of which were defined at our European Council of April this year.
Migration will also be a major point of discussion, where I envisage a strategic exchange among Leaders. We will have the opportunity to focus on concrete measures to prevent irregular migration including strengthened control of our external borders, enhanced partnerships and reinforced return policies.
The European Council will discuss several policy issues relating to our international relations, including the situation in Moldova, as well as in Georgia. Both countries are facing a crucial moment for their European path.
It is the European Council’s responsibility, enshrined in the Treaties, to define the general political directions and priorities of the Union and shape our collective stance on international relations. I am confident that we will uphold our shared values and the rules-based international order, further strengthening the European Union’s influence on the global stage.
I look forward to welcoming you in Brussels
Source – European Council: Invitation letter