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The European Union will continue pursuing a dual strategy of supporting Ukraine while increasing pressure on Russia during Ireland’s six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union, European Council President António Costa said.
Speaking in Dublin at the ceremony marking the start of Ireland’s presidency, Costa said the EU remains guided by international law and the rules-based international order despite an increasingly challenging geopolitical environment, UATV English reports.
“When it comes to European values and Europe’s security, they are being tested in a difficult global geopolitical context. But as we navigate these challenging waters, the European Union has a clear compass—international law—and a clear map—multilateralism and the rules-based international order,” Costa said.
He added that these principles continue to unite the EU in its support for Ukraine.
“We will continue to do everything we can to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” he said.
Costa stressed that the situation on the battlefield is evolving thanks to the courage of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, while European support for Kyiv and sustained pressure on Russia have played a decisive role.
“Over the next six months, under Ireland’s leadership, we will continue to pursue this dual strategy,” Costa said. “Russia must understand that time is not on its side and that it must move from the battlefield to the negotiating table.”
Ireland officially assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1.
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