On Monday 24 June, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, called on Europeans to increase their support for Ukraine.
“Putin, travelling wherever he can get his hands on weapons, is making it clear that he is preparing for a long war. For our part, the diplomatic route must continue to work, but we must increase our support for Ukraine”, Mr Borrell summed up.
Although the Europeans have reached an agreement on the profits generated by Russian assets frozen in the EU (see other news), seven decisions relating to the ‘European Peace Facility’ and the ‘Ukraine Assistance Fund’ - totalling €6.6 billion - are still blocked by Hungary.
On their arrival at the EU Council, the German, Romanian and Estonian ministers all called for progress on the European Peace Facility. “We find ourselves in a situation that clearly shows that this attack over 2 years ago was aimed not just at Ukraine, but at the European peace order. This is why supporting Ukraine, in particular through the European Peace Facility, is our best protection”, emphasised the German minister, Annalena Baerbock, stating that the adoption of the texts was essential.
The issue of the European Peace Facility is due to be discussed by European leaders at their European Council meeting on 27 and 28 June. The European Council is expected to review the work done in terms of providing military support to Ukraine, where further efforts are needed.
According to the High Representative, Ukraine and the EU will also sign security guarantees “in the margins of the European Council” (see EUROPE 13435/18). Following an agreement between EU ambassadors on Monday evening, the agreement could be approved by ministers on Tuesday, so that it can be signed on Thursday. In the meantime, Ukraine will officially open its accession negotiations this Tuesday in Luxembourg, with its first intergovernmental conference. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)