One-on-one meeting

EU Ukraine summit: Stocker meets Selenskyj

Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker is representing Austria at an EU summit for the first time.

(Bild: APA/BKA/FLORIAN SCHROETTER)

The EU heads of government are meeting in Brussels for a summit to discuss further support for Ukraine and Europe's military build-up. For the first time, Austria will be represented at an EU summit by Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker. Stocker will also meet bilaterally with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines.

A free, sovereign Ukraine is in the interests of Europe and the USA, emphasized Stocker, who will also hold talks with other EU heads of government alongside Selenskyj, on his arrival. He had already had the opportunity to speak with EU Council President Antonio Costa. There will also be talks with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Parliament President Roberta Metsola. He emphasized that it was "a very intense day" and said he was "very grateful to be here today".

Stocker: "Free Ukraine in the interests of the EU and the USA"
Stocker reiterated the importance of good transatlantic relations, which are in the interests of both Europe and the USA. However, "a free Ukraine and a sovereign country" were also in the interests of both sides. The Federal Chancellor said that Europe would take matters back into its own hands to some extent. Austria had participated in the support for Ukraine within the framework of neutrality and would continue to do so.

"In Austria, we are standing on the ground of our neutrality, which has constitutional status," Stocker reiterated the new government's clear commitment to neutrality. This is also "known and accepted" in Europe.

Warm welcome for Selenskyj
In Brussels, Costa and von der Leyen warmly welcomed Selenskyj. This was "a turning point for Europe", said von der Leyen. Europe is facing a real threat, she said with regard to Russia. "We want peace through strength." This is why she had also put forward the proposal to rearm Europe to the tune of up to 800 billion euros. It is important to stand by Ukraine "for as long as it is necessary".

Selensky thanks
The EU summit must come to decisions and "deliver", Costa also emphasized. Costa said to Zelensky: "Volodymyr, you are always welcome here." On behalf of the Ukrainian nation, Selensky emphasized his appreciation for Europe's support. "It's great that we are not alone. Thank you for everything," said the Ukrainian president.

EU wants to put together 800 billion euro package
The EU Commission wants to mobilize 800 billion euros in order to become less dependent on third parties such as the USA and to be prepared for new threats. A draft of the summit's final declaration from Wednesday reiterates that no "negotiations on Ukraine can take place without Ukraine" or without Europe's involvement, without literally mentioning the USA or US President Donald Trump.

In the run-up to the summit, EU diplomats emphasized the clear willingness of the majority of member states to arm Europe quickly. Europe's support for Ukraine was also "unwavering". The Commission is being asked to quickly draw up and implement concrete proposals and projects to strengthen defense readiness.

Resistance from Hungarian Prime Minister Orban
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has announced his opposition to the Ukraine part of the summit declaration. According to diplomats, it is still unclear whether the declaration will be adopted by all 27 EU states or as a declaration by the other 26 states. Hungary had demanded that the EU declaration be limited to the content of the pro-Moscow resolution recently passed in the UN Security Council with the votes of the USA, it was said. Russia is not named as an aggressor in this resolution.

Meinl-Reisinger and Babler also in Brussels
Also in Brussels on Thursday are Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS), who is meeting EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, and Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ), who took part in the meeting of the European Social Democrats (PES) before the summit. "We are in a real crisis situation right now", Babler stated afterwards. It is about "solidarity with Ukraine", but also about a reassessment of transatlantic relations, said Babler.

"The shock is still very deep for all of us: what we have seen on the open stage with the unbelievable behavior and the effects of Trump towards Selenskyj. It is now necessary to send a united signal. This affects us all in Europe," says Babler. It is also "unacceptable that decisions should be made about Ukraine without Ukraine".