The EU leaders meeting in Brussels have assured their solidarity with Ukraine. European competitiveness and immigration were also discussed at the meeting.
BRUSSELS President to Volodymyr Zelensky the visit was the highlight of the EU summit, which stretched into the wee hours of the morning.
Zelenskyi appealed to EU leaders to increase arms aid. Among other things, Ukraine has hoped for long-range missiles and fighter jets from the EU.
Prime minister Sanna Marini (sd.), no option should be ruled out at the European level.
– The needs are so extensive that no country can meet them alone, but together we can meet them. I believe that in the coming weeks and months we will have discussions about sending even heavier equipment to Ukraine.
According to Marin, no concrete decisions were made at the meeting about increasing the arms aid. However, a clear message came out of the meeting regarding future support decisions.
– All the heads of state gave their support to the fact that we support Ukraine as long as necessary, and with even stronger means.
Fighters will be discussed
According to Marin, no option should be ruled out at the European level. According to him, there will also be a discussion about, among other things, sending fighter jets.
– We must be able to discuss together what kind of weaponry we will deliver to Ukraine. I would believe that in the future air defense in particular is an issue we will have to discuss.
Marin emphasizes that member countries’ conditions for providing arms aid vary. You must also ensure your own defense capability.
– Also from our security perspective, Finland is an external border state, we are Russia’s border neighbor and we have to take this into account in all our decisions.
According to him, President Zelenskyi understands Finland’s position.
Sharing the burden of immigration rubs off on member countries
The European Council also discussed the actions proposed by the Commission regarding the control of external borders, return of applicants and cooperation with countries of origin.
Belgium, the Netherlands and Austria have been dissatisfied with the burden sharing between the member states.
Several countries have also hoped for EU funding to enhance the control of external borders. According to Marin, we still have to return to the topic.
– We still need steps forward in terms of Europe’s common approach to migration issues. Finland has reacted very positively to the fact that we would find joint solutions.
Marin will continue the summit to Luxembourg, where he will meet his colleagues Xavier Bettel.