European Council joined by Zelenskyy: ‘Ukraine is moving forward on EU accession’

On 18 June, EU leaders convened for the European Council in Brussels. Joined by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, they adopted conclusions on Ukraine and on European defence and security.

EU leaders exchanged views with President Zelenskyy on the latest developments on the ground. They reaffirmed the EU’s firm and unwavering support for Ukraine and its people. They also welcomed the second accession conference with Ukraine, held on 15 June 2026, and the opening of the fundamentals cluster. They expressed their support for opening other clusters, in line with the merit-based approach.

“It has been a historic week for Ukraine. The 27 member states are united in supporting Ukraine. Ukraine is moving forward on EU accession. We are stepping up our pressure on Russia. There is momentum, let’s build on it,” said European Council President Antonio Costa.

EU leaders reaffirmed the EU’s long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defence and security, including through the EU missions and support for ceasefire monitoring through the EU Satellite Centre.

They highlighted the importance of sustaining military support for Ukraine, including through the Ukraine support loan. They also called for faster delivery of air defence systems, ammunition, drones and missiles, as well as closer cooperation between the EU and Ukrainian defence industries.

They also expressed their support for the first disbursement of the loan under the Ukraine Facility loan for 2026-2027 before the end of June 2026, and encouraged further international support to help meet Ukraine’s remaining financing needs.

EU leaders also condemned Russia’s intensified missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure and called for an immediate halt to all military activities near Ukraine’s nuclear facilities. They reiterated the need to support Ukraine in repairing and strengthening its critical infrastructure and energy systems ahead of the next winter, including the rapid rehabilitation of the Chornobyl containment arch, and encouraged enhanced cross-border electricity interconnections.

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