Costa to Ukrainians: Ukraine's EU membership is best guarantee of security and democratic stability

European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized on Monday that Ukraine's EU membership is the best guarantee for security and democratic stability for both Ukrainians and Europeans. Speaking at a ceremony marking Ukraine's 35th independence anniversary, Costa stressed that the European Union's peace project is Ukraine's best hope for integration and unity.

He acknowledged the challenging accession process but highlighted that political determination, rooted in geopolitical necessity and the people's free democratic choice, must drive Ukraine forward. Costa also noted that Ukraine has already contributed to building a new European Union that prioritizes defense responsibility, strategic autonomy, international law, and multilateralism.

He assured that Ukraine is ready to join the EU and affirmed that international law must prevail, with the EU increasing sanctions on Russia until it stops its killing and shows genuine commitment to peace. The European Union cannot be neutral when international law is violated; it supports Ukraine and all serious peace initiatives.

Costa emphasized that Ukraine must determine the terms of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, affirming its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He recalled that the European Council convened on the first day of Russia's full-scale war to increase support for Ukraine, and European solidarity has remained strong ever since.

Costa assured that the European Council will continue providing necessary support during the war, future peace talks, and reconstruction, emphasizing that their vision extends beyond the war. Costa concluded with the words of Lesia Ukrainka: "He who frees himself will be free."