Nearly 50 European Leaders Gather To Show Unity in Support of Ukraine Against Russia
Leaders of nearly 50 European countries are coming together to demonstrate unity in support of Ukraine at a summit in the Spanish city of Granada.
This development is reported by Bloomberg.
European support for Ukraine faces a new challenge following the victory of Robert Fico, a candidate sympathetic to Russia, in the elections in Slovakia.
Ukraine aims to commence negotiations with the EU by the end of the year and hopes for a positive evaluation of its reforms by the European Commission, the executive body of the bloc, as early as next month.
Kyiv's desire to join the EU has energized the bloc's enlargement process, prompting member countries to discuss how to admit up to nine new members, including Ukraine, Moldova, and Western Balkan nations. Issues on the agenda include establishing common priorities, joint financing, and improving decision-making processes.
European Union leaders will also explore ways to stimulate this process while deepening cooperation among current members on matters like the economy and defense. The bloc views expansion as a geopolitical tool to bolster its response to challenges posed by Russia and China.
Military support for Ukraine is becoming increasingly pertinent as allies prepare for a protracted conflict.
EU leaders intend to enhance the bloc's defense capabilities, including through increased investments in the region's defense industry. European leaders have concluded that they have been too slow in ramping up arms production, both to aid Ukraine and to replenish member states' own stockpiles.
Currently, Europe plans to double the production of artillery ammunition to send at least one million artillery shells to Ukraine by March.
As reported by The Gaze, European Council President Charles Michel has expressed support for Ukraine's accession to the European Union by 2030, provided that both sides undertake the necessary reforms.
He emphasized that Ukraine and other candidate countries must actively implement reforms, combat corruption, and adhere to the requirements of the law.