European Council adopts conclusions on Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia

On the first day of the European Council, held on 17 October in Brussels, EU leaders adopted conclusions on Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Georgia, and other items.

Ukraine

The European Council held an exchange of views with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reiterated its support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, based on the UN Charter and in line with Ukraine’s peace formula. It also stressed that no initiative about Ukraine could be taken without Ukraine.

EU leaders reviewed progress on military support for Ukraine and called for rapid stepping up and acceleration of the delivery of air defence systems, ammunition and missiles. They called on the Council of the EU swiftly to finalise work on the assistance measures under the European Peace Facility and adopt an updated mandate of the EU’s military assistance mission to Ukraine.

The European Council welcomed the agreement on a loan of up to €35 billion and a loan cooperation mechanism to support Ukraine, and invited the EU High Representative and the Commission to engage with Ukraine on its military, budget and reconstruction needs.

The leaders strongly condemned Russia’s persistent shelling of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, and expressed their support for all efforts to urgently increase Ukraine’s energy security. They also called for further concrete action to integrate Ukraine’s energy system with the EU’s energy network.

The European Council also condemned third countries’ continued support, including through the provision of technological and software goods, for Russia’s war and urged them to cease all assistance.

Moldova

EU leaders emphasised the EU’s steadfast support for Moldova and the country’s efforts to become a member state. To this end, they commended the Moldovan authorities’ commitment to the reform process and invited them to pursue reforms and strengthen the country’s stability and resilience.

The leaders reiterated their commitment to Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and welcomed the adoption of sanctions against those responsible for actions aimed at destabilising the country. They also condemned Russia’s persistent attempts to use foreign information manipulation and interference to undermine democratic elections and the choice of the Moldovan people.

Georgia

EU leaders reiterated their serious concern regarding Georgia’s course of action, which  “runs counter to the EU’s founding values and principles and jeopardises Georgia’s accession to the EU”, the European Council said in a press release.

Accordingly, the EU leaders called on Georgian authorities to adopt democratic, comprehensive and sustainable reforms and ensure that the upcoming parliamentary elections are free and fair, in line with international standards and with unhindered access for international and domestic election observers.

“The EU is ready to support the Georgian people on their European path. The EU also recognises Georgia’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and is committed to peaceful conflict resolution and its policy of non-recognition and engagement,” says the press release.

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Press release