“First the G7, then NATO and today the European Council. We have huge tasks that we have to face and that we will face”, summarised Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz after the conclusion of the European Council in Brussels. It is time, he said, for the European Union to “speak with one voice in order to be able to assert itself in the harsh geopolitical environment”. Important topics at the summit included strengthening defence capabilities, reducing bureaucracy and supporting Ukraine.

Here you can read an overview of the most important points from the statement, followed by the entire press release.

The most important points in brief:

• European defence capability: Following the NATO summit, the Member States of the European Union discussed the five percent target. The 150-billion-euro SAFE programme for defence financing was adopted by the EU Member States in record time. Three things are particularly important to Federal Chancellor Merz when it comes to implementation: “Simplification, standardisation and quantities. A true single market for the defence industry would enable much greater efficiency.”
• Strengthening of competitiveness: The EU states agree that the Mercosur (South American Common Market) Agreement must be adopted as soon as possible. “We are also talking about further agreements, for example in the entire Indo-Pacific region. A major free trade agreement with India is in the cards”, explained the Chancellor. An alternative trade organisation to the WTO was also discussed.
• Reduction of bureaucracy: There is a consensus among the EU Member States on reducing European bureaucracy. The Federal Chancellor emphasised that the Commission's omnibus proposals must be implemented quickly in order to show how serious all partners are about this goal.
• Support for Ukraine: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky joined the European heads of state and government in a video conference. The financial resources to be made available in 2025 and 2026 were discussed. The sanctions against Russia were also extended once again.
• Humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip: “We shared concerns about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and talked very intensively about various ways in which we can now work with the Americans to influence Israel to bring about a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip”, explained the Federal Chancellor. There was, he said, a clear common position shared by the European Council on Israel.
   

Read the full statement here (in German):