BRUSSELS — European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with High Representative Kaja Kallas, held an online meeting today with leaders of Iceland, Norway, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom to discuss the outcome of the European Council meeting on March 20. The discussion focused on support for Ukraine and European defense.
During the meeting, Costa and von der Leyen briefed leaders of like-minded non-EU countries on the discussions held by EU heads of state and government. This was the second iteration of the meeting format, aimed at ensuring cooperation with global partners during a critical period in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
“Cooperation with our global partners is essential at this juncture,” Costa said. “The European Council has shown unwavering support for Ukraine, ensuring its position of strength in the pursuit of a just and sustainable peace.”
The leaders reaffirmed that peace efforts should not reward aggression. EU leaders welcomed Ukraine’s readiness for a full ceasefire but emphasized the need for pressure on Russia to escalate. Costa also commended the France-UK initiative to form a coalition aimed at bolstering Ukrainian military support and providing security guarantees to European nations.
The discussion also touched upon the ongoing need to bolster Europe’s security and defense capabilities. In this regard, Costa and von der Leyen outlined the European Council’s “Readiness 2030” roadmap, which aims to enhance the EU’s defense industrial base and ensure credible deterrence capabilities.
Regarding funding mechanisms for defense investments, the leaders introduced two major initiatives:
The National Escape Clause, which could free up to €650 billion in fiscal space for EU member states’ national budgets, with no restrictions on the origin of defense equipment.
The SAFE initiative, offering up to €150 billion in loans, allowing countries such as Norway, Iceland, and the UK to participate. Türkiye and other non-EU countries can access up to 35% of defense product development, with further participation requiring a Security & Defense Partnership agreement.
As the meeting concluded, Costa and von der Leyen reaffirmed the need for continued coordination in strengthening Ukraine and fortifying Europe’s defense. They also confirmed that governments of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Japan would be briefed on the outcomes.
“We are committed to working with our partners to ensure a secure and stable Europe,” von der Leyen said.
