Europe’s New Reality: President Costa Declares Ukraine Key to Lasting Peace‘No lasting peace without Ukraine and without the EU’: Speech by President Costa at the Munich Security Conference 2025
At the 2025 Munich Security Conference, European Council President António Costa delivered a compelling speech emphasizing the European Union’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. Reflecting on the transformative events since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Costa highlighted the EU’s immediate and robust response, which included humanitarian aid, economic assistance, stringent sanctions against Russia, and unprecedented military support for Ukraine. He underscored that Ukraine’s future lies within the European Union, a sentiment that has only strengthened over the past three years as Ukraine continues its heroic resistance.
Costa articulated a clear stance on peace negotiations, asserting that only Ukraine can determine the appropriate conditions for such discussions. He cautioned against premature concessions, stating, “Assuming concessions before any negotiations is a huge mistake.” The EU‘s position aligns with Ukraine’s: steadfast support through negotiations, security guarantees, reconstruction efforts, and eventual EU membership. Costa declared, “There will be no credible and successful negotiations, no lasting peace without Ukraine and without the European Union.”
The President also addressed the broader security implications of Russia’s aggression, noting its influence extends beyond Ukraine to Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, and casts a shadow over the Baltic States and the EU’s eastern borders. He emphasized that a comprehensive peace cannot merely be a ceasefire but must ensure Russia ceases to be a threat to Ukraine, Europe, and international security.
In response to the evolving security landscape, Costa outlined significant shifts within the EU since 2022: accelerated enlargement to include the Western Balkans, initiation of membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, efforts to strengthen energy security by reducing dependence on Russian energy, and a collective move towards bolstering European defense capabilities. He highlighted that EU countries in NATO now spend, on average, 2% of their GDP on defense, meeting established targets. Costa affirmed, “The European Union is a peace project by design. But we know that peace without defense is an illusion.”
The speech underscored the EU’s evolution into a more assertive geopolitical entity, prepared to take decisive action to ensure peace and stability in Europe. Costa’s remarks reinforced the EU’s role as a reliable partner committed to supporting Ukraine and upholding the principles of sovereignty and international law.
We acknowledge The European Times for the information.
