Prime Minister Michal: A significant step has been taken in supporting Ukraine; momentum must be kept

"I am pleased that this meeting between the partners of the European Union and President Zelenskyy is getting off to a good start. The long-awaited key decisions regarding the granting of a 90-billion-euro loan to Ukraine and the imposition of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia have just been announced. Support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia must continue," said Prime Minister Kristen Michal.

"The sanctions are effective. The Russian economy is in trouble. Putin acknowledges this too and is looking for someone to blame. The new sanctions will make the situation of the aggressor even more difficult. The pressure must be maintained with the next package of sanctions," said Michal.

"We must also press ahead with the enlargement of the European Union and open negotiation chapters with Ukraine and Moldova. The ultimate goal must be full membership," the prime minister noted.

At the European Council, European leaders will discuss the situation in the Middle East and the pressure on energy prices as key issues. "What is happening in the Strait of Hormuz affects us all; we need stability and open sea lanes. Higher prices must not drive countries back to Russian imports or lead to a surge in its revenue. In the medium and long term, fossil fuel crises serve as a stark reminder of why we need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels; this is crucial for security, the climate, and the natural environment," said Michal.

The informal European Council meeting in Cyprus will begin with a working dinner on Thursday evening, which will also be attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. There will be a discussion on the MFF on Friday, and representatives from the Middle East region have also been invited to the working lunch that follows.

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