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Tsahkna in Brussels: I am expecting agreements on forwarding frozen assets to Ukraine before the European Council

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

19.03.2024

Today, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna attended the meeting of the General Affairs Council in Brussels, where the agenda concentrated on preparations for the European Council on 21 and 22 March.

Ahead of the meeting of EU leaders, the ministers discussed continued comprehensive support to Ukraine, especially increased military assistance, using the windfall revenue from frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine, and European Union enlargement.

At the meeting, Tsahkna said he was expecting the European Commission to present a proposal before the Council for using windfall revenue from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. "It is crucial to make quick progress with using frozen Russian assets because the aggressor is not waiting. It continues to devastate Ukraine. Ukraine needs our help right now and without delay."

Tsahkna added that it was equally critical to conclude the agreement on increasing the Ukraine package of the European Peace Facility (EPF), which would boost the facility by €5 billion this year to help Ukraine with ammunition and other necessities. "Ukrainian soldiers are fighting on the frontline for not only their independence, but the security of all of Europe, and they have no ammunition for defending themselves." The ministers also discussed increasing the defence readiness of Europe, with boosting the production capacity of Europe's defence industry having a key role.

Speaking about European Union enlargement, Tsahkna said he hoped to see the formal launch of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova no later than in June. "Ukraine and Moldova have done their share, not it is our turn," he said.

Today's meeting of the General Affairs Council also discussed the future of Europe, which entails EU enlargement and potential internal reform, and the European Semester, which includes submitting the euro area's economic and budgetary recommendations to be endorsed at the European Council.

Ahead of the General Affairs Council, Tsahkna attended a meeting on EU enlargement with the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, where he gave a speech.