Thank you very much, dear António, for convening this extraordinary Council. In extraordinary times, we need special measures.
And thank you very much, dear Volodymyr, for coming here, because it is so important that we stand together.
This is a watershed moment for Europe. And it is also a watershed moment for Ukraine, as part of our European family. Europe faces a clear and present danger. And therefore, Europe has to be able to protect itself, to defend itself, as we have to put Ukraine in a position to protect itself, and to push for a lasting and just peace.
We want a peace through strength. And this is the reason why I present today to the leaders, the ReArm Europe plan. The ReArm Europe plan provides up to EUR 800 billion for defence investment. It gives the Member States fiscal space to invest in defence. It gives the Member States the possibility to invest in the Ukrainian defence industry or to procure military capabilities that go right away to Ukraine. So it is to the benefit of rearming Europe – rearming the European Union but also arming Ukraine in its existential fight for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
So, Volodymyr, thank you for coming. It is a very important moment to show that we stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes.
