EU has provided Ukraine with €27 bln in military aid – Borrell
The European Union has already provided an unprecedented €27 billion in military aid to Ukraine and will continue its support as the war in Ukraine continues and escalates further. Borrell also noted that Ukraine's application to join the EU "pushed" the queue of other candidate countries.
EU High Representative Josep Borrell said this today in Brussels before the EU Council on Foreign Relations meeting starts, Ukrinform reports.
Today in Brussels, the EU Council on Foreign Relations is taking place at the level of foreign ministers.
"Against the background of events in the Middle East… we cannot forget about Ukraine, where the struggle continues. Kyiv is already being bombed again; Russia is attacking civilian vessels in the Black Sea Corridor transporting grain. Our support [for Ukraine – ed.] is growing. I can tell you that our aid to Ukraine has reached 27 billion in military support. This is the largest figure we have ever reached. We continue to train Ukrainian soldiers. We continue to stand by Ukraine," Josep Borrell emphasized.
Commenting on the situation in the Middle East, he noted that the EU countries agreed on a common position regarding the events in Gaza.
They recognized Israel's right to self-defense and, at the same time, called for maximum restraint and the introduction of pre-announced "pauses" in hostilities to deliver humanitarian aid and to evacuate the civilian population from the conflict zone.
Answering journalists' questions about how the situation in the Middle East will affect EU support for Ukraine, the EU High Representative emphasized that these two conflicts are entirely different in nature.
"Both conflicts are completely different in nature. In any case, it is hardly possible to compare what is happening in Ukraine and what is happening in Gaza. But it is clear that the approaches that exist in the world must be very carefully considered to avoid accusations of double standards," said Josep Borrell.
He also said that in addition to discussing the situation in the Middle East and Ukraine, the ministers will consider the development of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, meet with the foreign ministers of the Western Balkan countries, and discuss preparations for the next "climate" conference under the auspices of the UN.
Josep Borrell also noted that Ukraine's intention to join the EU and the European Commission's recommendation to the European Council to start negotiations on Ukraine's membership "pushed" the whole line of candidate countries, which had previously experienced a certain "stagnation" in the negotiation process regarding EU enlargement.
"The fact [EC recommendations – ed.] speaks for itself – how important is the proposal of the European Commission to open negotiations with Ukraine. This will create a movement and push the whole line of countries that want to become EU members. There are certain obstacles for Serbia and Kosovo – yes, but the dynamics created by Ukraine, which has applied for membership, will affect the entire process. All candidates who have found themselves in a certain stage of stagnation," said the High Representative of the EU.
He noted that the EU should continue to consider the progress made by the candidate countries, as well as how the EU's foreign policy positions are reflected in the practical policies of these countries.
According to Borrell, as of today, not all candidate countries join the EU's statements within the framework of the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy or the EU's actions within the framework of the sanctions policy.
It should be noted that the defense ministers of the European Union countries will meet tomorrow in the same format in Brussels.
One of the main issues during both meetings is the continuation of EU aid to Ukraine.
For reference:
EU High Representative Josep Borrell announced his trip this week to several Middle Eastern countries to discuss with leaders humanitarian and political issues amid Israel's war with Hamas.
"This week I will visit Israel, Palestine, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan to discuss humanitarian access, aid and political issues with regional leaders," he wrote.
He states, "A political horizon to solve the two-state problem is needed."
"This can only be achieved through dialogue," he added.
On November 9, the European Commission proposed a support package for Ukraine for up to 18 billion euros for 2023. This assistance will be provided in soft loans, which will be paid in regular installments starting in January 2023.
On December 13, EU ambassadors unanimously approved providing Ukraine with 18 billion euros of macro-financial assistance. However, Hungary, which blocked this decision, had to make concessions.
However, the European Union has assured that they will be able to bypass any Hungarian veto and provide Ukraine with EUR 50 billion in aid.
