Brussels 16.10.2024 The EU leaders are meeting in Brussels on 17-18 October to discuss Ukraine, the Middle East, competitiveness, migration and foreign affairs. (Image above: illustration)
The heads of states, and government will discuss Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in all its dimensions, including developments on the frontline, and continued comprehensive support for Ukraine and its people. The EU is committed to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

With regard to military support, the leaders will review progress on the delivery of air defence systems, ammunition and missiles, as well as assistance measures under the European Peace Facility and bilateral assistance from EU member states.

They will also discuss progress on the use of extraordinary revenue from Russia’s frozen assets to benefit Ukraine.

To help Ukraine prepare for the winter and beyond, the leaders will discuss how to strengthen Ukraine’s energy sector and its critical infrastructure, which has been the target of persistent shelling by Russia.

The EU is ready to increase pressure on Russia, including by ensuring the full and effective implementation of sanctions and through further measures to counter their circumvention.

EU response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

EU leaders will also discuss the latest developments in the Middle East, in particular the critical escalation of violence in the region.

The EU condemns in the strongest terms Iran’s attack against Israel and urges all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and respect international humanitarian law. The EU is fully committed to lowering tensions and contributing to de-escalation in order to avoid a dangerous regional conflict.

“The deadly escalatory spiral in the Middle East must stop now. A regional war is in no one’s interest” said the European Council president Charles Michel.

In this context, EU leaders will discuss the most pressing needs, including:

– an immediate ceasefire along the withdrawal line on the Lebanese-Israeli border (the ‘Blue Line’) to end all cross-border threats
– support to the state institutions of Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces
– an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the deployment of urgent humanitarian assistance
– the unconditional release of all hostages

The leaders are also expected to discuss the escalation in the West Bank following the latest military operation, increasing settler violence and the expansion of illegal settlements, as well as the security situation in the Red Sea.

The EU is committed to a lasting and sustainable peace on the basis of the two-state solution between Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign and viable Palestine.