EU Member States pledge to continue to support Ukraine and develop European defence

Government Communications Department
Publication date 27.6.2025 1.33 | Published in English on 27.6.2025 at 13.26
Type:Press release
Photo: EU

The EU heads of state and government made important decisions to enhance security at the European Council in Brussels on 26 June. Support for Ukraine will continue and measures to strengthen European defence will be accelerated. The leaders also discussed the EU’s relations with the rest of the world and European competitiveness. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo represented Finland at the meeting.

The EU leaders’ meeting came directly after the NATO Summit. The European Council held an in-depth discussion on defence, in which the leaders reiterated the EU’s goal of significantly improving its defence capabilities over the next five years. According to Prime Minister Orpo, the decisions made at the NATO Summit will also speed up efforts in the EU.

“We are increasing our defence capabilities precisely because of the threat from Russia. It is now up to the EU to support Member States in their work to achieve this goal. Within the next few years, Europe must be strong enough to defend itself,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

The European Council exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy via video connection. After the discussion, the leaders of 26 EU Member States reaffirmed that the Member States will continue their support for Ukraine. Prime Minister Orpo emphasised that Europe must not forget Ukraine.

“Russia is waging war on the European continent. We must therefore continue to support Ukraine economically, politically and militarily. We must also make a genuine effort to advance Ukraine’s accession to the EU,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

The Council’s working dinner focused on the EU’s relations with the rest of the world. The leaders also discussed open trade negotiations. “Negotiations on trade agreements must continue. At the same time, the EU must be prepared to defend its interests quickly if agreements are not reached. We fully support the Commission’s work,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

The Council held an in-depth debate on European competitiveness. Prime Minister Orpo emphasised the importance of quickly implementing the Commission’s single market strategy. “We must focus on removing barriers to the single market and simplifying unnecessary regulation,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

The EU leaders also discussed the Middle East, especially the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the tensions between Israel and Iran. Prime Minister Orpo stressed that the EU must promote peace and stability through its actions.

“The war and the suffering of civilians must end. Israel must ensure unhindered access to humanitarian aid in Gaza in accordance with international humanitarian law,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

Other topics on the leaders’ agenda included preparedness, hybrid activities and internal security. They also discussed migration, the Western Balkans, Moldova and other topical external relations issues.

Inquiries: Tuomas Tikkanen, Senior Adviser to the Prime Minister in European Affairs, tel. +358 40 523 5768, Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 50 433 4533 and Marko Ruonala, Chief Communications Specialist, tel. +358 50 522 8233, Prime Minister’s Office