“Ahead of a difficult winter, Ukraine urgently needs more weapons, funding and hope. We must make it even more costly for Russia to continue its war: tighten energy sanctions, ban the transit of Russian and Belarusian grain through the European Union, and stop issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens,” said Michal.
Yesterday, Ukraine took a step forward on its path towards EU membership when member states approved the opening of talks on the internal market and competitiveness. “Ukraine has done its homework. The European Union must now open all remaining negotiating clusters without delay. This will give Ukrainians hope and encourage them to carry out the necessary reforms,” said Michal.
According to Michal, the EU’s 2028–2034 budget must support security and economic growth: “Estonia’s priorities are additional funding for countries bordering the aggressor and sufficient funding for cross-border connections, Rail Baltica. These strengthen security across Europe.”
Strengthening Europe’s competitiveness requires less bureaucracy and bringing down energy costs. “Climate policy must consider what people and businesses can afford. The planned new emissions trading system for fuels, ETS2, should be postponed further or scrapped, as it will drive up the cost of heating buildings and road transport,” Michal noted.
The European Council will also discuss defence and security, EU enlargement and reforms, migration, and the situation in the Middle East.
Further information about the meeting (agenda, background on the topics, factsheets, etc.): https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/european-council/2026/10/15-16/
