Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will address the heads of state and government of the European Union countries during the upcoming meeting of the European Council on October 23. This is stated in a letter from Council President Antonio Costa, addressed to the participants in the meeting in Brussels, BTA reports.
In the document, Costa notes that during the meeting, increasing support for Ukraine and the possibilities of using frozen Russian property in favor of Kiev will be discussed. He emphasizes that Russia continues its relentless attacks on the civilian population and civilian infrastructure of Ukraine. According to him, Moscow is already paying a high economic price for the war, but the European Union must assess how to further increase pressure on it. Costa stressed that combining support for Ukraine with pressure on Russia remains a key condition for achieving a just and lasting peace.
The President of the European Council also emphasized the need to strengthen the European Defense Agency. According to him, hybrid attacks, the penetration of drones near critical infrastructure and violations of airspace show that it is imperative to accelerate the development of a common European defense readiness by 2030.
On economic issues, Costa noted the need to simplify European legislation, formulate strategic goals for environmental protection and support citizens in the transition to a green economy. He stressed that in the context of global challenges, Europe must defend its values, interests and technological autonomy, strengthen its digital infrastructure and develop its own open digital ecosystem that will increase the Union's competitiveness.
Costa also announced that the future of the digital euro will be discussed in the presence of the President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde and the President of the Eurogroup Pascal Donahue. Among the topics of the meeting will be the question of how the EU can support the provision of affordable housing - especially for people with middle incomes and for younger generations.