Remarks by President António Costa at the doorstep ahead of the European Council meeting of 18-19 December 2025 10:20 Before the start of the European Council meeting of 18-19[...]

As you remember, last October we took the decision to ensure the financial needs of Ukraine for 2026 and 2027. To put in motion this decision, it is crucial to increase the pressure on Russia and to assure that Ukraine is in the best condition to negotiate a peace agreement. Our goal is to ensure, as soon as possible, a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, for Ukrainians and for the security of Europe.

In October, we took the decision to ensure this, and we asked the Commission to present several solid options. The Commission presented several options and we have worked very well with the Commission on all these issues, and especially on the reparation loan.

I want to commend Belgium and the Prime Minister Bart De Wever by the way that he, very frankly, raised critical, legal and technical issues in a very constructive way, and the Commission engaged to address all of these issues.

I think that we will conclude this debate in this European Council. Something I can assure you: we will never leave this Council without a final decision, and we will never put a solution that will not ensure all the security for Belgium and the Belgians.