Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
Today, Friday, the European summit in Brussels resumes, which began yesterday, Thursday, and at the end of the discussions of the first day, a statement was issued on the most prominent files discussed by the leaders, most notably the Ukraine file. The statement stated, "The European Council exchanged views with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.
The leaders of the European Union discussed the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine in all its dimensions and affirmed the continued support of the European Union for Ukraine and its people.
In this context, the leaders reiterated their support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, based on the United Nations Charter and in line with the Ukrainian peace formula. They also stressed that no initiative on Ukraine can be taken without Ukraine.
Military support
The leaders of the European Union reviewed the progress made in military support to Ukraine and called for intensifying and accelerating the delivery of air defense systems, ammunition and missiles, which are urgently needed to protect the Ukrainian population and vital energy infrastructure.
In addition, it:
The Council called for the rapid completion of work on assistance measures under the European Peace Facility
Stressed the importance of increasing support for the defense industry in Ukraine
The Council called for the adoption of Updated mandate for the EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine
Frozen assets
At the 2024 G7 Summit in Puglia (Italy), the EU and other G7 partners pledged to provide up to €45 billion in loans by the end of the year to support Ukraine. Repayments will be made from Russia’s frozen assets.
In this context, EU leaders:
Welcome the agreement on a loan of up to €35 billion and a loan cooperation mechanism to support Ukraine
Emphasise the need to address all relevant legal and financial aspects and ensure fair participation and solidarity with G7 partners to fulfil the commitment to Ukraine
The Council invites the High Representative and the Commission to engage with Ukraine on its military, budgetary and reconstruction needs
In accordance with EU law, Russia’s assets must remain frozen until Russia ends its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates Ukraine for the damage caused by the war.
Critical infrastructure
EU leaders discussed how to strengthen Ukraine’s critical energy and civil infrastructure for the coming winter and beyond.
The leaders strongly condemned Russia’s continued bombing of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and expressed their support for all efforts to urgently increase Ukraine’s energy security and address the humanitarian and civil protection needs of the Ukrainian population. To this end, they:
Reaffirmed that any action that jeopardizes nuclear safety and security is unacceptable
Called for further concrete action to integrate Ukraine’s energy system into the EU energy grid
Condemned the destruction of port infrastructure and attacks on commercial vessels, which impact global food security
Sanctions
EU leaders reiterated their call for full and effective implementation of sanctions and further measures to counter their circumvention, including by third countries. In this context, they:
Condemned the continued support of third countries, including through the provision of technological goods and software, for Russia’s war and urged them to cease all assistance
Welcome the adoption of the new EU sanctions regime in response to Russia’s hybrid threats
The EU stands ready to further limit Russia’s ability to wage war, including through new sanctions and tariffs on imports of Russian and Belarusian products. The EU has responded swiftly, including by imposing new sanctions on Iran targeting individuals and entities involved in Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programmes.

Accountability
EU leaders are deeply concerned by reports of the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian forces. To this end, they stressed that international humanitarian law, including with regard to the treatment of prisoners of war, must be respected, and that no crime must go unpunished.