Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
Following the end of the EU leaders' summit in Brussels late Thursday evening, Antonio Costa, President of the Council of the European Union, said that today represents a decisive moment for Europe. For the security of Europeans. “A month ago, we held a strategic brainstorming session to guide our joint action on defence. Today, we are delivering on our promise – we are moving decisively towards a stronger and more sovereign defence Europe.
Since 2022, in Versailles, we have taken greater responsibility for our defence. But today, we have decided to aim much higher, guided by a new sense of urgency. I thank the Commission, and especially Ursula von der Leyen, for presenting a first package of proposals ahead of the White Paper on Defence. On this basis, we have taken concrete decisions to provide new resources, new tools and new instruments for our defence capabilities. This means investing in our economy and protecting our citizens.
First, we have decided to invest in priority areas already identified by the European Defence Agency, reflecting the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, and in full alignment with NATO: air and missile defence, artillery systems, missiles and ammunition, drones and counter-drone systems, strategic enablers, military mobility, artificial intelligence, electronic and cyber warfare.
Second, we have decided Mobilising additional public and private funds for our defence. We will create a new European instrument, of up to €150 billion, to support Member States in strengthening urgently needed defence capabilities. Moreover, leaders were clear today that we need flexibility within the framework of the Stability and Growth Pact. Because Member States will invest significantly more in defence – and our common fiscal rules must allow them to do so. In a sustainable and sustainable way. Flexibility in channelling existing European funds into defence will also be important – for Member States that choose to do so. The European Investment Bank’s initiative to broaden its mandate – to lend more to the defence sector – will improve access to private finance. And it will have a positive impact on private banks.

Thirdly, we have decided to invest better and more efficiently together. Through joint procurement. Through standardisation and facilitation.
Our decisions today send a clear message: we put our money where our mouth is. We deliver on our promises. To build up our deterrence. To strengthen the security of our citizens. And in the process, to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and our technological and industrial base.
A stronger European defence also provides deterrence for Ukraine. Our efforts to strengthen European defence will also benefit Ukraine. Because Ukraine’s security is at the heart of Europe’s security.

We have been with Ukraine since day one. We have already provided more than €135 billion in support to Ukraine since 2022. Our support is unwavering. If the war continues. In any future peace negotiations. In reconstruction. In EU accession.

And we have now committed to increasing our support even further. Member States can immediately increase their support thanks to the increased financial space. Several Member States have already announced pledges of up to €15 billion. Today, the Council also tasked us with urgent work on other initiatives to address Ukraine’s urgent military and defence needs. At the same time, we stand ready to support Ukraine when it decides to engage in negotiations. To help it reach a positive outcome, which means a just and lasting peace.

This is a turning point for Europe. Today, we have shown that the EU is rising to the challenge. Building a defensive Europe and standing with Ukraine, side by side. Because ultimately, what we all want, what we all deserve, what we all work for, is peace and security.
For her part, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during the joint closing press conference with Costa: "I believe that history is being written today. We leave this European Council determined to ensure Europe's security and to act with the scale, speed and determination that the situation requires. We are determined to invest more, better and faster together. From Paris to London to Brussels, we have shown that we are willing and able to intensify our joint efforts and coordinate effectively.
The reality is that Europe is facing a clear and present danger. That is why I presented the European Rearmament Plan to the leaders today, a plan aimed at giving Europe the military capacity it needs to confront current threats. The plan could mobilize up to 800 billion euros. It is about taking more responsibility for our security. Because the urgency is real.
So, we agreed that, with the support of the leaders, the Commission will present detailed legal proposals to the next European Council, the ordinary European Council in March.