Speech by President António Costa at the 2nd plenary session of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome 13:30 President of the European Council António Costa travelled to[...]

Thank you for organizing this conference and for placing Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction at the heart of the international agenda.

I would like to focus on four pillars that must shape Ukraine's path forward: peace, defence, reconstruction, and accession to the European Union.

First, peace. Dear Volodymyr, let me commend your leadership in calling for an unconditional ceasefire and mobilising all diplomatic efforts toward a just and sustainable peace. Unfortunately, Russia has responded only with more strikes, more suffering, and more unjustifiable deaths. This must stop.

From day one, the European Union has stood - and will continue to stand - firmly by your side to ensure a just and lasting peace. We are doing this by increasing pressure on Russia through sanctions, by strengthening Ukraine's defence, and by deploying every diplomatic tool at our disposal to restore peace in Europe.

Second, defence. Supporting Ukraine's defence is not only about military strength. It is about sovereignty and the foundation of economic recovery. Ukraine's defence sector is helping to stimulate local production, create jobs, and drive innovation - strengthening the country's economy and increasing resilience. As Ukraine rebuilds, integrating these technological advances will bolster national development and help embed Ukraine in the broader European industrial and defence value chains.

This is a meaningful contribution to building the Europe of defence - a path shared by all member states. As President of the European Council, I will continue to encourage member states to increase investments in Ukraine's defence sector, including through the SAFE programme, which offers a concrete instrument for this effort.

Third, reconstruction. Ukraine's reconstruction will require a massive, sustained effort from the international community- one that matches the scale of destruction and the urgency of the moment. As Ursula has already announced, Ukraine can count on the European Union. But it must also be rooted in justice: Russia must be held accountable for the devastation it has caused. The aggressor must bear responsibility for rebuilding what it sought to destroy.

Reconstruction is not only about buildings - it is about people, and starts at the local level. Local communities, municipalities, mayors, civil society, and the media are essential actors in this process.
As a former mayor, I know how powerful civil society can be in meeting immediate needs, driving community-led solutions, and advancing the reforms necessary for EU accession.

The European Union - including our cities, regions, and citizens - stands with you. And we will continue working with the Ukrainian people for a resilient, democratic, and peaceful future.

Fourth, and finally, Ukraine's accession to the European Union. Enlargement is the EU's most strategic geopolitical investment - in peace, in security, and in prosperity. For Ukraine, accession is a commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, good governance, and a peaceful, stable future.

At our most recent meeting, EU leaders acknowledged the remarkable progress Ukraine has made on reforms, even under the most difficult conditions. The Commission's assessment is clear: Ukraine has fulfilled all the necessary steps to open the first cluster of accession negotiations. Negotiations must now move forward. Ukraine's accession process will continue, with the next steps guided by merit, momentum, and mutual commitment.

Ukraine's future lies in the European Union. The European Union stands with Ukraine - for peace, for defence, for reconstruction, and all along the path to accession. Together, we can ensure that Ukraine not only recovers, but thrives - and in doing so, we will build a stronger, safer, and more united Europe.

Thank you very much.