The EU faces an unprecedented combination of threats and challenges that are often interlinked. The rules-based international order is increasingly being challenged by revisionist powers and authoritarian regimes while international tensions are on the rise. War has returned to Europe. Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, a gross violation of international law, poses an existential threat to European security. Hamas’ brutal terrorist attacks against Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza have led to a grave humanitarian catastrophe and increased tensions in the Middle East. In this regard, the Council recalls the conclusions of the European Council of April 2024 and remains fully committed to reaching an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, as well as providing unhindered access to humanitarian aid at scale for Palestinians in need. The EU remains firmly committed to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution. Following military coups and a growing interference of our strategic competitors in the Sahel, the EU is adapting its role as a security provider and its civilian and military presence in the region. Other crises and fragile contexts, often with a devastating humanitarian impact, will require continued engagement – for example in the Western Balkans, Eastern Neighbourhood, Black Sea Region, South Caucasus, Southern Neighbourhood, the Horn of Africa, and the Gulf of Guinea.
Since the start of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022 and based on the Strategic Compass, as well as the Versailles Declaration in March 2022, the EU's role as a security and defence actor has been significantly strengthened. The Council welcomes the progress made as reflected in the High Representative’s Annual Progress Report on the implementation of the Strategic Compass of March 2024 and looks forward to the revision of the Threat Analysis in 2025. The EU needs to further increase its defence readiness and enhance its sovereignty through additional efforts in accordance with the European Council conclusions of 21 and 22 March 2024 and Member States’ competences. It also needs to enhance its civilian and military preparedness in light of the evolving threat landscape. The EU needs to furthermore increase efforts to prevent and respond faster to crises in an integrated manner, together with partners whenever possible, to sustain peace and strengthen the rule of law. Without prejudice to the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States and while taking into account the security and defence interests of all Member States, the Council today agrees on the following five main priorities for the coming period, also with a view to the next Strategic Agenda:
EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine
Security commitments
The Council recalls that the EU is ever more steadfast in its support to Ukraine’ independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. In this regard, the EU and its Member States are determined to continue providing Ukraine and its people with all the necessary political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support for as long as it takes and as intensely as needed. In this regard, the Council aims for signature of the EU’s security commitments to Ukraine by the end of June. Together with bilateral arrangements, they will help Ukraine to defend itself, resist destabilisation efforts, and deter acts of aggression in the future. EU security commitments will form a framework for predictable, long term, and sustainable support for Ukraine’s security and defence, and should be considered in a holistic manner. The Council also stresses the need for a strategic approach to the Black Sea region.
UAF/EPF
The recently established Ukraine Assistance Fund (UAF), as part of the European Peace Facility (EPF), will continue to be driven by the urgency and evolving needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Council welcomes the progress on the additional legal acts with a view to the implementation of the Ukraine Assistance Fund and other assistance measures under the EPF, in accordance with implementing rules of the Facility. The Council also welcomes the progress on the draft legal acts on directing extraordinary revenues stemming from Russia’s immobilised assets for the benefit of Ukraine, particularly with a view to addressing its most immediate military needs, notably through the EPF.
Ammunition and air defence
Furthermore, the Council stresses the critical importance of accelerated and intensified deliveries of military materiel based on Ukraine’s urgent needs, notably ammunition, particularly for artillery, missiles, air defence and artillery systems, and drones, while continuing to address medium to long-term Ukraine’s needs. It welcomes Member States’ recent initiatives in this regard and will continue to incentivise further deliveries. The Council calls on Member States to also make further use of the European Defence Agency (EDA) and ‘lead nations’ Framework Contracts to urgently deliver more ammunition and missiles to Ukraine.
Training and advice
The Council welcomes the outstanding work of the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) which will have trained 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers by the end of summer 2024. The Mission will continue responding to the evolving and urgent needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in coordination with partners. In this regard, the Council welcomes the widening of the scope of the training to the maritime and air domains and stresses the importance of continuing to focus on the quality of the training for Ukrainian soldiers and their contribution to delivering operational effect. The Council looks forward to the upcoming Strategic Review of the Mission, in particular with a view to continuing war related urgent needs and mid- to long-term needs such as Ukraine’s defence sector reform. The Council also welcomes the strengthening of the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) in Ukraine which will allow the scaling up of support for Ukrainian law enforcement agencies in Ukraine’s liberated and adjacent territories and for relevant civilian security sector reforms, also in the context of its EU accession process, as well as the investigation and prosecution of international crimes committed by Russia.
