European Council president: Agreement on multiannual budget revision vital for EU credibility
BRUSSELS. Jan 31 (Interfax) - Securing an agreement on a revision of the European Union's multiannual budget between all of its 27 member states is "vital for our credibility" as well as for the EU's commitment to continue providing support to Ukraine, President of the European Council Charles Michel said.
"Given the circumstances, we will also take this opportunity to further urgently address all aspects of our military assistance to Ukraine. The onus lies squarely on us to find a solution and to deliver," Michel said in an invitation letter to the European Council members to an extraordinary EU summit scheduled for February 1.
The EU's military assistance to Ukraine "includes the delivery of ammunition, in line with our March 2023 European Council conclusions, and adjusting relevant EU instruments to deliver aid faster, while complementing bilateral efforts" by EU members, Michel said.
To achieve these goals, the EU should continue its donations, adapt orders and place new ones, which would also boost the European defense industry, he said.
Michel recalled that, at the EU summit on December 14-15, 2024, 26 out of the 27 EU leaders "firmly supported" a balanced negotiating box, which, apart from assistance to Ukraine, also included "management of migration and its external dimension, support for the Western Balkans and our response to natural disasters." In Michel's view, "this negotiating box sets the stage for finalizing an agreement at 27."
He also insisted that the events in the Middle East require maximum attention from the EU. "All hostages detained by Hamas have to be released without any pre-conditions," he said.
The European Union needs "to address security issues, continue encouraging restraint and discuss measures to prevent further regional escalation, especially in the Red Sea," Michel said.
The EU should also "urgently contribute to remedying the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza," he said.
"Lastly, we should discuss how to revive the political process for a two-state solution - the only viable option that can bring sustainable peace for both Israelis and Palestinians and enhanced regional security. Overall, our efforts should aim at ensuring that international law and international humanitarian law are upheld by all," Michel said in his letter published on the European Council website on Wednesday.
The European Council is to start its session in Brussels at 10:00 a.m. local time on February 1.