Concluding press conference with Federal Chancellor Scholz after the European Council meeting
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz is confident that the European Union is in good shape for the next legislative period. He also said that the security pact between the EU and Ukraine was an encouraging message for Ukrainians.
- Transcript of press conference
- Friday, 28 June 2024
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz after the European Council meeting: “We will not let up in our support for Ukraine.”
Photo: Federal Government/Bergmann
Transcript of the press conference in German only
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the swift and constructive negotiations of the European Council meeting that just took place. A deadlocked situation had been avoided, he said, adding that the “necessary course has been set” for the work that is to be done by the EU institutions in the new legislative period.
The key facts in brief:
- EU personnel: Following the European elections, the European Council agreed on appointments to the most important posts within the institution. The Portuguese politician António Costa was elected President of the European Council. The existing President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was nominated for a second term in office. Estonia’s current Prime Minister Kaja Kallas was appointed High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy by the European Council.
- Ukraine: A security pact with the EU was signed in the presence of Ukraine’s President Zelensky. Discussions also took place concerning initiatives of the member states regarding ammunition and missiles, as well as support in the context of the European Peace Facility. The EU accession talks that have been taken up were also addressed.
- Middle East: The European Council once again called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and for Hamas to release its hostages unconditionally. The EU backs US President Biden’s recommendation for a ceasefire and the release of the hostages.
- Defence: According to the European Council, Europe has to focus on its own continent when it comes to developing and producing military goods, forces and resources. To this end, options are to be drawn up to allow for armaments to be financed via EU funds as conventional Member State obligations. Joint European defence initiatives such as the European Sky Shield Initiative can only be a start.
You can read the conclusions of the European Council issued on 27 June 2024 here, and the Federal Chancellor’s statement delivered before the start of the discussions is available here.