Only one country out of 27 did not agree to declaration in support of Ukraine at EU summit
Photo: 26 out of 27 EU members reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine (Getty Images)
Leaders of 26 out of 27 European Union member states approved a declaration supporting Ukraine at the summit in Brussels on March 6. Only Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán refused to vote for this decision, according to Radio Svoboda.
The declaration mentions support for the potential deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine under the framework of the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), through which the European Union participates in peacekeeping operations.
"In the light of negotiations for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, the European Union and Member States are ready to further contribute to security guarantees based on their respective competences and capabilities, in line with international law, including by exploring the possible use of common security and defence policy (CSDP) instruments," the document states.
26 out of 27 EU members also reaffirmed their unwavering and steadfast support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
European leaders emphasized in the declaration that a ceasefire could occur as "part of the process leading to a comprehensive peace agreement, any such agreement needs to be accompanied by robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine that contribute to deterring future Russian aggression."
The document also states that peace must be based on respect for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. It stresses that there can be no negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine and without Europe.
However, Orbán's refusal to vote for the declaration means that it will not be included in the official conclusions of the EU summit but rather will be placed in the annexes to those conclusions, "strongly supported by 26 member states."
EU summit in Brussels
On March 6, a special European Council meeting took place in Brussels. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was also present at the summit.
The summit of EU leaders focused on increasing Europe's defense spending and supporting Ukraine. Among other topics, the leaders of EU countries discussed Europe's contribution to the security guarantees needed to ensure lasting peace in Ukraine.
In particular, at the summit, all 27 EU member states agreed on the European rearmament plan recently presented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The plan involves mobilizing 800 billion euros and includes financing of 150 billion euros for defense purposes.
