Main results
EU leaders discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, the EU in the world, resilience and preparedness, migration and foreign policy issues.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, attended the meeting.
They also underlined that the EU-Western Balkans summit, which had taken place the previous day, signalled a new momentum for a strategic partnership between the EU and the Western Balkans.
Ukraine
More than 1000 days since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, EU leaders reiterated their condemnation of Russia, and reconfirmed their unwavering commitment to providing continued support to Ukraine and its people.
They reiterated their support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, based on the UN Charter and in line with Ukraine’s peace formula. They also emphasised that no initiative about Ukraine can be taken without Ukraine.
Military support
EU leaders reviewed progress on military support for Ukraine, and called for quicker and more efficient delivery of air defence systems, ammunition and missiles, and for training and equipment for Ukrainian brigades.
In addition, they emphasised the importance of increasing support for Ukraine’s defence industry and deepening its cooperation with the EU defence industry.
Ukraine Facility
EU leaders welcomed the steadfast implementation of the Ukraine Facility, an EU instrument to provide predictable financial support to help Ukraine in its recovery, reconstruction and modernisation. Total payments from the facility are expected to reach €12.5 billion for 2025.
The leaders also welcomed the rapid implementation of the loan that the EU and the other G7 partners committed to provide, amounting to €45 billion ($50 billion). Under this initiative, the EU plans to begin disbursements in January 2025, amounting to a total of €18.1 billion over the coming year.
Energy and critical infrastructure
EU leaders discussed how to strengthen Ukraine’s critical energy and civilian infrastructure for the winter and beyond.
In this context, they strongly condemned Russia’s intensified and deliberate campaign against infrastructure, called for material support to be increased, and commended EU member states for their electricity exports, while emphasising the importance of increasing such exports.
Sanctions
EU leaders welcomed the adoption of the 15th package of sanctions against Russia, including measures against the ‘shadow fleet’.
Efforts to further limit Russia’s ability to wage war must continue – European Council conclusions, 19 December 2024
The leaders also reiterated their call for the full and effective enforcement of sanctions, and for further measures to counter their circumvention, including through third countries.
Under EU law, Russia’s assets should remain frozen until Russia ends its war against Ukraine and compensates it for the damage caused.
