European Council Supports Ukraine: Key Findings After the Exchange of Views with the NATO Secretary General

The European Council, a key body of the European Union, has expressed its solidarity with Ukraine in its recent conclusions.

The Council reaffirmed its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Here are the key conclusions from the discussion.

The European Council confirms the EU's willingness to provide continued military support to Ukraine as long as required, in particular through the EU Military Assistance Mission and the European Peace Facility. Progress on the supply and joint procurement of one million pieces of artillery ammunition and missiles for Ukraine is noted. The importance of continuous efforts by member states to help meet Ukraine's urgent military and defence needs, without prejudice to the specific security and defence policy of certain member states and taking into account the security and defence interests of all member states, is highlighted," a press release on the European Council website said.

Ukraine's sovereignty: the European Council condemns Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and recalls the European Union's unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and its inalienable right to self-defence against Russian aggression.

The European Council once again strongly condemns Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, in clear violation of the UN Charter, and recalls the European Union's unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and its inalienable right to self-defence against Russian aggression. The European Union will continue to provide strong financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as necessary.

Reforms: The European Council recognised Ukraine's progress in reforms and stressed the importance of continuing this process. Ukraine has shown considerable progress in reforms, especially in fighting corruption and modernising the economy.

The European Council recognizes Ukraine's dedication and considerable efforts to meet the necessary conditions for EU accession. It encourages Ukraine to continue on the path of reforms. The European Union will continue to work closely with Ukraine and to support its efforts until all conditions have been met.

Economic support: The European Council has reiterated its willingness to provide additional economic support to Ukraine. Recall that on 20 June the European Commission announced that Ukraine will receive € 50 billion over the next four years.

The European Council stresses the need to ensure, together with partners, stable, predictable and sustainable financial support for Ukraine over the coming years. The European Council reiterates its call for the European Investment Bank, in close cooperation with the Commission and international financial institutions, to step up support for Ukraine's most urgent infrastructure needs. The European Union also remains committed to supporting the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Ukraine in coordination with international partners, in particular in the fields of psychological and psycho-social rehabilitation and mine action assistance. In addition, the European Council appreciated the work done on Russia's frozen assets and invites the Council, the High Representative and the Commission to continue working in line with EU and international law and in coordination with partners.

Cooperation: The European Council confirmed its willingness to further deepen cooperation with Ukraine.

The European Union and its Member States will step up their diplomatic efforts and continue to cooperate with Ukraine and others to ensure broad international support for the key principles and objectives of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, including through a future Global Peace Summit. Any initiative for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine must be based on full respect for its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

Refugees: The European Union reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting displaced persons both in Ukraine and in the European Union, including through appropriate and flexible financial assistance to the member states that spend the most on health care, education and accommodation for refugees.

These European Council conclusions are an important indicator of EU solidarity with Ukraine and their support for important reforms in the country.

We shall remind you that on 23 June last year, the European Council decided to grant Ukraine candidate status to the European Union.