The President of the European Council, António Costa, announced an informal meeting of the leaders of the European Union countries, scheduled for October 1 in Copenhagen. The focus of the meeting will be on enhancing Europe’s defense capabilities and further supporting Ukraine amid rising threats from Russia.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Main Discussion Points
According to the invitation from António Costa, EU leaders will concentrate on two key aspects: strengthening Europe’s defense readiness and reaffirming support for Ukraine. Recent violations of Polish and Romanian airspace by the Russian Federation have served as a serious reminder of the need to bolster joint security efforts.
“Our attention will be focused on two aspects: enhancing Europe’s defense readiness and reaffirming our support for Ukraine. Recent violations of Polish and Romanian airspace by Russia are a stark reminder that we must ramp up and deepen our efforts.”
The President of the Eurogroup urged member states to invest more actively in the defense sector, including through joint tools such as SAFE, and to take into account the “lessons of the war in Ukraine.” Significant attention is being given to establishing partnerships with the Ukrainian defense industry, which possesses unique practical experience.
Action Plan until 2030 and Support for Ukraine
In Copenhagen, specific steps will be discussed to develop defense potential, forming a common vision for the role of the EU and member states in achieving defense readiness goals by 2030. Costa noted that the ongoing work of the European Commission and the High Representative on the Roadmap will be a significant contribution to collective efforts. He emphasized the need to provide recommendations based on these developments.
Among the main topics for discussion are:
- rapid enhancement of joint defense capabilities;
- increased support for EU member states on the eastern flank facing escalating threats;
- ensuring effective political oversight and coordination, as well as strengthening the role of defense ministers in the European Council.
The President of the Eurogroup emphasized that the security of Europe is inextricably linked to the security of Ukraine. In Copenhagen, leaders will discuss further steps to support Ukraine, as well as ways to achieve a just and sustainable peace. Costa reminded of the EU’s leading role in providing economic, military, and political assistance to Kyiv and suggested identifying key areas for continuing this support.
He noted progress in establishing security guarantees within the “Coalition of the Willing,” while emphasizing that the main guarantee of Ukraine’s sovereignty remains the support of the Ukrainian army and sanctions pressure on Russia.
Costa also highlighted the need to further advance Ukraine’s EU accession process. He noted significant progress on the Ukrainian side in implementing reforms even during the war and stressed the importance of reflecting these efforts in tangible steps towards membership.
It is expected that the return to discussions on European defense issues and support for Ukraine will take place at the European Council meeting at the end of October in Brussels.