European security situation The Foreign Affairs Council held a discussion on the European security situation. The Council condemned the Russian military build-up around Ukraine, increased ceasefire violations and provocations from the Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. It also condemned actions, staged events and information manipulations aimed at creating a pretext for military escalation against Ukraine. Furthermore it commended Ukraine’s restraint in face […]
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Joint statement by President von der Leyen and President Michel
Press Statement by President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission and President Charles Michel of the European Council Februrary 21, 2022: President von der Leyen and President Michel condemn in the strongest possible terms the decision by the Russian President to proceed with the recognition of the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and […]
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Official statements regarding the situation in Ukraine (I)
In this entry we include the institutional statements related to the situation in Ukraine between February 14 and 20. President Charles Michel Remarks by President Charles Michel at the Munich Security Conference (February 20, 2022) First, allow me to recall the EU’s position on the current crisis around Ukraine and Russia, along with a few […]
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Official meetins due to the situation in Ukraine
High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell has travelled to Washington, DC, on 7-8 February. On 7 February the HR/VP Borrell will hold a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Blinken to discuss pressing issues on the international agenda to reconfirm the strength of the transatlantic partnership at a crucial moment for global diplomacy. HR/VP will then co chair alongside EU Commissioner […]
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How the EU is supporting Ukraine
Since withdrawing from the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine has been keen to pursue its own path, including forging closer links with the rest of Europe. Ukraine’s relations with Russia have been tense due to the latter’s determination to keep the country within its sphere of influence. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea in violation of […]
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Commission presents EUR 1.2 billion emergency aid package for Ukraine
The European Commission has tabled a proposal for a new emergency macro-financial assistance (MFA) programme for Ukraine of up to €1.2 billion. This proposal follows an earlier request from the Ukrainian authorities and direct discussions between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. MFA funds will be made available to Ukraine in the […]
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The UN Security Council discussed the Ukraine-Russia border crisis
The UN Security Council discussed the Ukraine-Russia border crisis, in a session where Washington and Moscow exchanged accusations. Russia and China objected to the meeting being open, but were outvoted by ten votes in favor and three abstentions, with the result that the meeting went ahead. The U.S. ambassador asserted that Russia’s moves pose a […]
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Foreign Affairs Council Main Results, 24 January 2022
The EU Council of Foreign Ministers met on 24 January 2022 in Brussels. The meeting was chaired by Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Foreign ministers discussed current events and exchanged views on the latest developments and the rapidly evolving external relations. Some of the main outcomes of the meeting […]
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Europe in danger: What next for EU Security and Defence?
The classical distinction between war and peace is diminishing and the European Union faces increased competition, intimidation and coercion. International politics is increasingly transactional, EU values and multilateralism are being challenged, whereas democratic freedoms and international law are questioned. In short, Europe is in danger. How can the Union operate in such an increasingly competitive […]
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