Doorstep by President von der Leyen with President Costa and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy ahead of the special European Council meeting of 6 March 2025
Thank you very much, dear António, for convening this extraordinary Council. In extraordinary times, we need special measures.
And thank you very much, dear Volodymyr, for coming here, because it is so important that we stand together.
This is a watershed moment for Europe. And it is also a watershed moment for Ukraine, as part of our European family.Europe faces a clear and present danger. And therefore, Europe has to be able to protect itself, to defend itself, as we have to put Ukraine in a position to protect itself, and to push for a lasting and just peace.
We want a peace through strength. And this is the reason why I present today to the leaders, the ReArm Europe plan. The ReArm Europe plan provides up to EUR 800 billion for defence investment. It gives the Member States fiscal space to invest in defence. It gives the Member States the possibility to invest in the Ukrainian defence industry or to procure military capabilities that go right away to Ukraine. So it is to the benefit of rearming Europe – rearming the European Union but also arming Ukraine in its existential fight for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
So, Volodymyr, thank you for coming. It is a very important moment to show that we stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Source – EU Commission
I am very pleased to welcome here today President Zelenskyy. Dear Volodymyr, you are always ‘bienvenue’, you are always very welcome here in Brussels.
Today is a very important moment at the Council to build European security. As you remember, one month ago, we had a very important brainstorming, but now we are here today to take decisions and to deliver.
First of all, I would like to thank the European Commission for coming up with the concrete proposals so soon. That gives us the opportunity to take concrete decisions to increase our spending capacity, to spend better, to build our own capabilities.
Of course, the security and defence of Europe is not separable from Ukraine’s security and defence. A stronger European defence boosts Ukrainian defence, and a stronger capacity for Ukraine’s defence is also very important to boost our own defence.
That is why we are here to support Ukraine, to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.
Dear Volodymyr, we have been with you since day one: We’ll continue to be with you now, and we will continue in the future – in the eventual peace negotiations, when you decide that it is the right moment to negotiate and, most importantly, in the future as a member state of the European Union.
Thank you very much.
Special European Council: press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas upon arrival
Good day everybody.
We have an important European Council today.
First, we are going to discuss defence and what we can do to really boost our own defence.
All the options are on the table when it comes to financing of the defence – from grants to reallocation of the cohesion funds, to also the change of fiscal rules.
I think this has been pushed for long. This is extremely important because we really need to invest more in defence.
Second, of course, Ukraine. What more can we do to support Ukraine. We have [an] initiative on the table.
I hope that we reach a political agreement on the support for Ukraine, because we really need to make them stronger so that they are able to end this war on their terms.
Therefore, they need the European support for this. We have today the decisions. I mean, politically – even if we fill [in] the numbers in the March Council, that comes at the end of March.
[I am] really looking forward to Europe showing unity and resolve on these very turbulent times.
Q&A.
Q. High Representative, Marco Rubio did not want to meet with you. What is your proposal to fix the transatlantic relations between the EU and the US administration?
We have been very long-term allies, we have many relations between us. We definitely need to build on this. I think the [US] administration also looks at us to be stronger. When Europe is stronger, then we are also, in their eyes, stronger partners.
Q. Chancellor Scholz said yesterday that the US should keep a leading role when it comes to peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Does it mean that Europe is not fit for this role anymore?
No, the war is going on in Europe and it is a question of peace and security in Europe. We need to be counted in when it comes to any kind of deal, when it comes to really ending the war and achieving a long-term peace. We know what is at stake here and we also have on our side something to bring to the table. These discussions are ongoing, [for] the implementation of any kind of deal, Europeans need to be on it.
Q. High Representative, how quickly can you [inaudible] weapons to mobilise [inaudible]?
Well, we are right now making these decisions and we need to do it quickly enough. We just do not have time. And there, well, [by] yesterday apparently is what we need. That is why the initiative that I proposed has also two elements: either you come in with the weapons [and] ammunition that is needed or with the funding to acquire the necessary weapons and ammunition elsewhere. So, I think this is something that we need to do in a really fast track.
Q. What about Hungary’s blockade?
Yes, this is increasingly difficult. That is why we have on the new initiative also considered the ‘coalition of the willing’, so that one country cannot block everybody else.
Q. What are the odds for Hungary to opt-out of the Ukraine [inaudible]?
I will not speak for Hungary. We are still striving for having the unity of 27 members. And if that is not possible, then Hungary can speak for themselves.
Q. How concerned are you, after President Trump said that he was not helping Ukraine?
Of course, this is a dangerous gamble with Ukraine’s future. That is why we are here today and also discussing what more can we do on the European side. I think we should not underestimate our own power when it comes to Europe, the economic power we have and the strength that we have here. So, we should definitely use the strength that we have.
Q. [inaudible]
Everybody wants peace, that is very clear. But the peace has to be one that is not bringing more suffering to the Ukrainian people, but also [not] to the Europeans. That is why we are discussing increasing our own defence, that is why we are discussing also increasing the support for Ukraine so that they can end the war on their terms.
Q. [inaudible]
We are not discussing this today but it is clear that we should not leave the Western Balkans aside. What is happening in the Western Balkans also has an effect on Europe. But yes, today we are not going into those details.
Thank you.
“We cannot afford to depend on others to keep us safe”, EP President Metsola tells EU leaders
At the European Council in Brussels, the European Parliament President reassured leaders that the EP can move quickly and efficiently to meet today’s unprecedented security challenges.
“Too much is at stake, and we cannot wait any longer”, she argued, stressing the urgency for Europe to take care of its own security.
On Ukraine, she stressed that “Peace must be a real one that does not simply lull all into a false sense of security by allowing an aggressor to keep trying to take over sovereign nations. Peace must guarantee freedom for Ukraine, security for Europe and a deterrent for those who think they can take it through force.”
On defence, she called on the EU to invest more in defence: “Our ambition must match the unprecedented threat, the boldness of our proposals, and the speed at which they are put into action.” She was encouraged to see many good proposals on the table. “Extraordinary times require immediate measures, so I welcome all creative and flexible solutions to substantially increase and accelerate our investments in the defence sector.”
She reassured leaders that the European Parliament can adjust to demanding circumstances by moving quickly, efficiently and effectively. “Working through the European Parliament, especially on decisions of this magnitude, is a way of fostering trust in our Union. Yes, we need swift action, but acting together is the only way of ensuring broad and deep public backing.”
Speaking about the next Multiannual Financial Framework, she called on leaders to “align our EU budget with our priorities. We have a real opportunity to fund the strategic autonomy we need,” she said.
European Parliament Background Kit for the Special European Council of 6 March 2025
In this press kit, you will find a selection of the European Parliament’s press releases reflecting MEPs’ recent positions on Ukraine and European defence. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will represent the European Parliament at the special summit, where she will address the heads of state or government at 12.30.
European Council President António Costa convened the Special European Council to discuss continued support for Ukraine and European defence, with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
On 24 February 2025, the President of the European Parliament, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission issued a joint statement, saying “Russia and its leadership bear sole responsibility for this war and the atrocities committed against the Ukrainian population. We continue to call for accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed. We welcome the recent steps made towards the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.”
The three Presidents highlighted that “Ukraine is part of our European family” and that “the future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union.”. They said “the need to ensure the international community’s continued focus on supporting Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula. We stand firm with Ukraine, reaffirming that peace, security, and justice will prevail.”
On 11 February, Parliament’s Conference of Presidents issued a statement on continuing the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression. EP leaders reaffirmed their “steadfast solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience and courage in defending their sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. The European Union must remain united in its commitment to support Ukraine that includes political, military, economic, humanitarian and financial assistance. (…) . We call on the EU and its member states to increase and speed up the delivery of its support, in particular of its military supportand establish a legal regime allowing for the confiscation of Russian-owned assets frozen by the EU.”
Also on 11 February, the Chair of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, addressed a formal sitting of the European Parliament. Welcoming Mr Stefanchuk, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “I am proud that this Parliament has stood with Ukraine from the very first moment – united, unwavering, and resolute. We will keep pushing for peace. Peace must be just, it must be dignified, and it must be based on the principle of ‘Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine’.”
In a resolution adopted on 23 January, MEPs condemn the Russian regime’s systematic falsification of historical arguments to justify its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. The text rejects historical claims by the Russian regime used to undermine Ukraine’s history and national identity as futile attempts to justify its ongoing illegal war. Parliament issues a strong call for the EU and its member states to increase and better coordinate their efforts to promptly and rigorously counter Russian disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference. This is essential, they say, to protect the integrity of democratic processes and strengthen the resilience of European societies.
The resolution also calls on the EU to expand its sanctions against Russianmedia outlets conducting disinformation campaigns championing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. It urges EU countries to implement these sanctions thoroughly and to dedicate sufficient resources to effectively addressing hybrid warfare. MEPs also want the EU to step up its support for exiled independent Russian media to facilitate diverse voices in the Russian-language media.
On 28 November 2024, MEPs adopted a resolution calling for more military support for Ukraine amid the involvement of China and North Korea. They condemn Russia’s use of North Korean troops against the Ukrainian army and its testing of new ballistic missiles in Ukraine. These recent escalatory steps represent a new phase in the war and a new risk for Europe’s security as a whole, MEPs argue, calling on the EU and Ukraine’s other international partners to respond accordingly.
Insisting that “no negotiations about Ukraine can take place without Ukraine”, MEPs urge the EU to work towards achieving the broadest possible international support for Ukraine and identifying a peaceful solution to the war. The resolution also demands the Council extend its sanctions against Russia, particularly against sectors of special economic importance, such as the metallurgical, nuclear, chemical, agricultural and banking sectors, and on Russian raw materials.
Extraordinary plenary session with Volodymyr Zelenskyy
On 19 November 2024, Parliament held an extraordinary plenary session with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking 1000 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Opening the sitting, EP President Roberta Metsola said Parliament would stand with Ukraine until it has “freedom and real peace, for as long as it takes.” She added that the Ukrainian people’s sacrifice over the previous 1,000 days was not just for themselves but for every European’s freedom and way of life.
In his address, President Zelenskyy thanked the EU for its support and said that Ukraine, all of Europe, and our partners in America and around the world have succeeded not only in “preventing Putin from taking Ukraine” but also in defending the freedom of all European nations. “Putin remains smaller than the united strength of Europe. I urge you not to forget this, and not to forget how much Europe is capable of achieving. We can surely push Russia towards a just peace. Peace is what we desire the most,” he added. President Zelenskyy concluded by saying: “No one can enjoy calm water amid the storm. We must do everything we can to end this war fairly and justly. 1,000 days of war is a tremendous challenge. We must make the next year the year of peace.”
Statement by EP leaders marking 1,000 days of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine
Also on 19 November 2024, Parliament’s President and political group leaders adopted a statement marking 1,000 days of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war against Ukraine. “We have started EU accession talks with Ukraine as it moves towards taking its rightful place in our European family. The gradual integration of Ukraine into the Union will be a central task for all EU institutions in this legislature, along with providing long-term financial and military assistance and much-needed support,” they said. They said, “The ultimate goal remains to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine on Ukraine’s terms, ensuring the safety and dignity of its people within a peaceful and stable Europe. Together, the democratic world must send a clear, simple message: We stand with and support Ukraine in every possible way until its victory.”
Measures against the Russian “shadow fleet”
In a resolution adopted on 14 November 2024, Parliament calls for more targeted EU sanctions against Russia’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’, which provides a key financial lifeline for Moscow’s war in Ukraine. MEPs demand measures against these vessels in the next EU sanctions packages, including all individual ships as well as their owners, operators, managers, accounts, banks and insurance companies. They also call for the systematic sanctioning of vessels sailing through EU waters without known insurance and urge the EU to enhance its surveillance capabilities, especially drone and satellite monitoring, and to conduct targeted inspections at sea. MEPs want EU member states to designate ports capable of handling sanctioned vessels carrying crude oil and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and to seize illegal cargo without compensation.
Financial assistance to Ukraine
On 22 October 2024, MEPs approved an extraordinary loan of up to €35 billion to Ukraine, to be repaid with future revenues from frozen Russian assets. Parliament endorsed the new macro-financial assistance (MFA) to help Ukraine against Russia’s brutal war of aggression. This loan is the EU’s part of a G7 package agreed last June, to provide up to $50 billion (approximately €45 billion) in financial support to Ukraine. The final amount the EU will contribute could be lower, depending on the size of the loans provided by other G7 partners.
The Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, a newly established framework, will make future revenues from the frozen Russian Central Bank assets located in the EU available to Ukraine. These funds will help Ukraine service and repay the EU’s MFA loan as well as loans from other G7 partners. While the mechanism’s funds can be used to service and repay loans, Kyiv may allocate the MFA funds as it sees fit.
Further reading
- Joint statement on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
- EP Conference of Presidents’ statement on EU support for Ukraine
- Ruslan Stefanchuk: “Peace in Ukraine can only be achieved if we stay strong”
- MEPs condemn Russia’s use of disinformation to justify its war in Ukraine
- More military support for Ukraine amid the involvement of China and North Korea
- Zelenskyy to MEPs: “We must end this war fairly and justly”
- 1000 days: Statement on Ukraine by European Parliament’s leaders
- Parliament calls for an EU crackdown on Russia’s ’shadow fleet’
- Parliament approves up to €35 billion loan to Ukraine backed by Russian assets
- MEPs: Ukraine must be able to strike legitimate military targets in Russia
- Newly elected Parliament reaffirms its strong support for Ukraine
- MEPs approve trade support measures for Ukraine with protection for EU farmers
- Joint Statement by the Presidents of the European Union Institutions on the occasion of the 2 year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Parliament calls on the EU to give Ukraine whatever it needs to defeat Russia
- EU sanctions: new rules to crack down on violations
- MEPs: EU must actively support Russia’s democratic opposition
- Yulia Navalnaya: “If you want to defeat Putin, fight his criminal gang”
- Debate 12 March 2024: Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024
- Debate 13 March 2024: Need to address the urgent concerns surrounding Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia
- Parliament wants tougher enforcement of EU sanctions against RussiaA long-term solution for Ukraine’s funding needs
- How the EU is supporting Ukraine
- EU stands with Ukraine
European Defence
At theinformal European Council meeting on defence on 3 February 2025, European Parliament President Metsolaoutlined her vision for how Europe can and must strengthen its own security and defence. “More action, more financing, and more cooperation,” must be the EU’s goals, she argued.
“We need to do more, much more, to ramp up defence production and increase our defence industrial readiness” she said, stressing that “the best investment in European security is investing in the security of Ukraine.”
President Metsola argued “investing in security, is not just about protection – it is about boosting European competitiveness, driving growth, creating quality high-skilled jobs and powering everyday breakthroughs that improve how we live, work and connect. The real incentive lies in addressing fragmentation within our markets. Different rules, standards, and systems are putting up barriers and risk holding us back. It makes no sense for Europe to have 178 different weapons systems, when the United States has 30.”
“Fragmentation costs us billions: between €25 and €75 billion are lost due to duplication and inefficiencies. The answer to this is staring us right in the face. Now is the time to move forward with a single market for defence. Europe must be responsible for its own security. No one else will do this for us,” she added
In areport adopted by the Foreign Affairs Committee on 30 January, MEPs push for the EU to strengthen its defence capacity against a backdrop of multiple security threats. The report emphasises the absolute need for the EU to recognise and meet the current challenges posed by multiple and evolving security threats. The EU, they say, needs to engage in new and better policies that will enable the European Union and its member states to strengthen their defence in Europe. Noting the limited progress and underinvestment in common European defence capability development, industrial capacity, and defence readiness since the establishment of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) 25 years ago, MEPs restate need for a truly common European approach, policies and joint efforts in the area of defence. They say a paradigm shift in EU CSDP is essential to enable the European Union to act decisively in its neighbourhood, and on the global stage, to safeguard its values, interests, citizens, and promote its strategic objectives.
On 13 January,MEPs discussed the security situation in Europe and beyond, as well as defence and EU-NATO cooperation, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Regarding EU-NATO cooperation, MEPs quizzed Mr Rutte on the EU’s contribution. Defence is not limited to military issues, MEP said, adding that it includes international relations, as well as social, economic and diplomatic relations. MEPs also asked about future cooperation with the incoming Trump Administration and expressed concern about the role of Türkiye in NATO.
Other MEPs pointed out that there are differences between NATO allies on defence issues, but unity is necessary to secure a sustainable peace in Ukraine. They also highlighted the difficult security situation in the Mediterranean and the Western Balkans.
Several MEPs enquired about the avoidance of duplication in military production as well accelerating the development of weapons, and others raised the issue of the need to tackle hybrid threats, particularly on the eastern flank of Europe and in the Western Balkans.
Further reading