Security of Europe

Ukraine, for nearly a year, has been struggling with Russian aggression. The heads of state discussed Ukraine's integration into the European Union. They also discussed European financial and military cooperation for the struggling Ukraine. The security of Ukraine is the security of the whole of Europe.

“The number one topic is still the war in Ukraine, because we all want to achieve peace, security and stability as soon as possible. This war must end. However, it must end with Ukraine’s victory,” said the Prime Minister.

Poland has already paved the way for European support for Ukraine on more than one occasion. During the summit, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki made a demand for the confiscation of Russian assets. Poland is in favour of transferring the confiscated assets to reduce energy prices, as well as to support Ukraine.

“This is a powerful financial resource, a gigantic financial resource: 300-400 billion dollars, billions of euros, which could be used to reduce gas prices, electricity prices, to reduce inflation throughout the European Union and in Poland and, of course, to help Ukraine,” emphasised the head of government.

Economic cooperation

The European Council addressed the issue of the European Union's international competitiveness. The heads of state discussed, inter alia, how to utilise the potential of the EU single market and short-term measures in the context of the challenges facing EU industry.

The head of the Polish government called for further development of the single market. He also stressed the need to remove barriers and create an optimal regulatory environment for businesses.
“We want to level the playing field in the single market together with other EU countries,” said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. He also added: “This was Poland's voice, which certainly could be heard very strongly.”

Migration policy

In the face of increased illegal migration, the protection of the European Union's external borders is a priority. Leaders mentioned, among other things, further cooperation on border checks, the fight against people smuggling and better information exchange on migration flows.

“We managed to add an additional provision in the conclusions. A provision that states that the countries which provide the most aid to Ukraine, Ukrainians, should receive greater and more flexible support from the European Commission, the European Union,” said the Prime Minister. He also added: “We will, on the basis of this provision, obtain further funds from the European Union to help refugees.”

As Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stressed, the most desirable form of support for Poland would be EU investment in modern equipment and infrastructure at the border, including physical barriers. Borders must be strengthened and tightened, as the sovereignty of EU Member States must not be threatened.

“Today, the European Union, the European Council acknowledges that physical protection, physical barriers are precisely what is needed,” emphasised the head of government.

Summit meetings

The two-day summit was also an opportunity for conversations in smaller circles. As well as meeting with the Ukrainian President, the Prime Minister held individual talks with representatives of a number of countries. These included the heads of government of Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands - Giorgia Meloni, Petr Fiala and Mark Rutte. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki also held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. He also met with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The talks covered the key topics of the extraordinary summit. The main issues were European security, economic issues, as well as European migration policy.

The head of government summed up the European Council meeting by saying that “At this very difficult time - difficult from the economic, political and geopolitical point of view - not only did our voice get through, but, one could say, it is being listened to very carefully. We are translating our proposals into concrete action within the framework of the conclusions and then into real action presented by the European Commission.”