European Council President António Costa has announced a special European summit dedicated to Ukraine, scheduled for March 6. This announcement, made on Sunday, February 23, underscores the European Union’s commitment to addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has now entered its fourth year.
On Monday, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs expressed optimism about the leaders’ ability to swiftly agree on new funds to bolster short-term military aid to Ukraine. This comes as Europe strives to play a central role in negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s prolonged aggression against its neighbor.
“The ministers have broadly supported the new military aid initiative for Ukraine, and, of course, the details, particularly the figures, will be decided and discussed at the extraordinary European summit on March 6,” stated Kaja Kallas to journalists following a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels.
The meeting, coinciding with the third anniversary of the Russian invasion, involved discussions on a proposal from Kallas’s service, the European External Action Service (EEAS). The proposal aims to “accelerate and focus the EU and member states’ efforts to address Ukraine’s most urgent short-term needs,” as per a draft seen by Euronews.
Under this package, EU member states would commit to providing, “as soon as possible in 2025,” at least 1.5 million rounds of heavy-caliber artillery ammunition, air defense systems, missiles—including deep precision strikes—drones, and support for brigade regeneration.
The latest version of the document does not specify a fixed amount, although an earlier version had earmarked €6 billion. Each member state’s contribution would be calculated based on the gross national income key. EU countries could also choose to contribute “in kind”—by providing equipment—or “in cash.”
The proposal also suggests that payments the European Union will make to Ukraine this year, using proceeds from frozen Russian assets, will be deducted from the final agreed envelope. The next two tranches to be disbursed are expected to amount to approximately €880 million.
“We need to discuss in detail and take the necessary time. The problem is, we don’t have time,” Kallas emphasized.
“That’s why I’m really insisting that we can make decisions on March 6, because it’s important to send the signal that we are capable of doing so. So, I’m positive, or optimistic, I would say, in this regard,” she added.
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The early March special summit was convened on Sunday evening by António Costa, who stated on X, “We are living a decisive moment for Ukraine and European security.”
“In my consultations with European leaders, I have heard a common willingness to address these challenges at the EU level: strengthening European defense and contributing decisively to peace on our continent and Ukraine’s long-term security.”
“I will continue to work with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and all member states to be ready to make a decision on March 6,” he added.
Costa, von der Leyen, most European commissioners, and several EU leaders were in Kyiv on Monday to underscore the EU’s support for the country as the war enters its fourth year.
Ursula von der Leyen unveiled an EU financial aid program amounting to €3.5 billion, intended to inject additional liquidity into Ukraine’s strained budget and facilitate, among other things, the purchase of military equipment from the national industry.
These €3.5 billion constitute an advance on a larger €50 billion assistance fund that the European Union established at the beginning of 2024, under the name “Ukraine Facility.”
French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Washington to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. The Élysée stated before the meeting that Macron would bring “action proposals” developed following several meetings held last week in Paris between European leaders.
This upcoming summit and the series of diplomatic engagements highlight the EU’s proactive stance in seeking a resolution to the conflict and providing substantial support to Ukraine in its time of need.
This article is originally published on fr.euronews.com
