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European Union Stands Firm for Ukraine

Republic of Poland - The Chancellery of the Prime Minister

25.02.2025

The continuation of the European Union's support for Ukraine and the strengthening of Europe's defense capabilities were the main topics of the conversation between Prime Minister Donald Tusk and European Council President António Costa on Tuesday. The leaders met as part of preparations for the special European Council meeting scheduled for March 6. Europe has declared unwavering support for Ukraine, as evidenced by the adoption of another package of sanctions against Russia earlier this week. Strengthening defense capabilities, including protecting the EU's eastern border, aligns with the priorities of Poland's EU Council presidency and should be a shared responsibility of all member states.

The European Union Supports Ukraine

During their meeting in Warsaw, Prime Minister Donald Tusk and European Council President António Costa discussed the prospects for continued EU support for Ukraine, including in the context of potential peace talks.

"It is obvious that the upcoming European Council will focus on helping Ukraine and strengthening our security. [...] I have no doubt that, given what is happening in the world, strengthening European unity on Ukrainian issues is an absolute necessity at this moment,"
- said Prime Minister Donald Tusk in a statement after his meeting with the President of the European Council.

Europe's security begins in Ukraine. Therefore, continued EU support for Kyiv is one of the key priorities of Poland's EU Council presidency.

"The motto of the Polish presidency, 'Security, Europe!' shows how crucial it is for us to take care of our common defense and security,"
- emphasized European Council President António Costa.

Poland expects that any potential negotiations should result in a lasting and just peace. This includes security guarantees for Ukraine and holding Russia accountable.

"We are fully aware that any upcoming negotiations require Europe's presence. Ukraine expects this as well,"
- stressed the Polish Prime Minister.

Ukraine must remain a sovereign and independent state with an open path to EU membership. One of the signs of the EU's unity in supporting Ukraine is yesterday's decision to extend sanctions against Russia.

"Security, Europe!"

Regardless of potential peace talks, Europe must strengthen its security, including building defense capabilities.

"The European Commission is presenting a package of proposals to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities. That's why we are organizing a special European Council meeting on March 6 to discuss, above all, how to enhance our defense potential,"
- announced António Costa.

Poland serves as a model for other countries in terms of responsible defense spending. Other European nations have begun to recognize the need to allocate joint European funds for this purpose.

"The fact that some European leaders are finally becoming bolder in discussing the use of frozen Russian assets shows that security is becoming a genuine priority for the entire European Union - including the financing of security-related expenditures,"
- emphasized Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

From Poland's perspective, it is crucial that defending the EU's eastern border is recognized as a common European interest. Both leaders agreed that this is a key element of European security.

"We will demand support for projects such as the East Shield - this should be a shared responsibility of EU member states."

"Russia is a threat not only to Ukraine but to European security as a whole, particularly on the eastern border - to Poland, Romania, the Baltic states, and the entire eastern flank of the European Union,"
- acknowledged the President of the European Council.

Ahead of the European Council meeting, a group of European leaders will gather in London this Sunday to discuss joint defense plans. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a videoconference will be held with EU leaders, during which French President Emmanuel Macron will report on his visit to the United States and his meeting with President Donald Trump.