Costa: Support for Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans is an investment in Europe's security

European Council President António Costa said that backing Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans on their European path is an "investment in the security and prosperity of Europe." He made the remarks after a meeting with Czech prime minister Andrej Babiš in Prague, and linked that pledge to preparations for the bloc's next long-term budget.

EU budget must adapt to new geopolitical realities

"We are entering a decisive moment in the negotiations for our next European budget for the period 2028 to 2034. The geopolitical environment has changed since we approved the current budget in 2020. Now, more than ever, we must invest in defence and security, competitiveness and innovation, as well as strategic resilience," Costa said following the Prague meeting.

He argued the European Union needs to increase investments in defence, security and strategic resilience to confront growing global challenges, while at the same time modernising the budget to reflect new priorities.

Costa added that modernising the EU's long-term spending should not come at the expense of the Union's core support to member states — notably cohesion policy and the common agricultural policy — which remain vital to many economies.

"It is essential that we reach an agreement by the end of this year," the European Council president warned, stressing that no interruption must be allowed in European funding for vital projects and policies in 2028.

He also highlighted the need to accelerate work to bring down energy prices and to pursue a clean, technology‑neutral transition: "while we continue efforts for a clean transition and decarbonisation in a technology-neutral way — which means nuclear energy or renewable sources."

Photo: press material from the event