It is a pleasure to be here in Gdańsk on behalf of the 27 member states of the European Union. Gdańsk is the birthplace of the Solidarity movement and a lasting symbol of courage, resilience and the struggle for freedom against soviet imperialism.
In the 1980’s, many doubted that totalitarianism could be defeated. Yet countless Poles refused to surrender their hopes for freedom and democracy. Among them was Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a freedom fighter for a democratic, prosperous, and European Poland. Thank you, Donald.
In 2022, many people also doubted Ukraine – its resilience, its courage and its unity. Four years later, Ukraine continues to resist and fight for a sovereign, democratic, free and European future.
Despite the brutality of Russia’s ongoing attacks on critical and civilian infrastructures, it has failed to achieve its objectives in Ukraine. Nor has it succeeded in dividing the European Union or preventing us from supporting Ukraine.
From day one, the European Union has stood, and will continue to stand, firmly with Ukraine. The European Union is its largest donor, providing over €200 billion in support since 2022.
To bolster Ukraine’s resilience, we have recently established the Ukraine Support Loan with a further €90 billion. This aid will address urgent needs, including military needs. And as President von der Leyen already mentioned earlier, the first payment from the Support loan to Ukraine was made today. It shows our support is consistent and unbreakable, to help Ukraine achieving a just and lasting peace.
Ukraine has shown readiness for an immediate ceasefire and for sustained diplomatic efforts toward a just and lasting peace. The European Union supports all initiatives that contribute to peace while increasing pressure on Russia through sanctions.
We have adopted 20 packages and we are preparing the next one. We have made a political decision to roll over sanctions by one year instead of just six months.
These measures are working and contribute to bring Russia to genuine negotiations. The European Union is ready to contribute in that process. Yet it is Ukraine that will define the terms of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace. No one can talk on behalf of Ukraine, only Ukraine can talk on behalf of the Ukrainian people.
Such a peace must respect international law and the United Nations Charter. It must affirm Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. It must guarantee Ukraine’s long-term security and self-defence.
But our vision goes beyond the war. We are already preparing Ukraine’s future. Reconstruction is not only about repairing destruction; it is about building back a better Ukraine. We are laying the foundations for a modern, green, and digital economy that will strengthen the entire European continent.
Ukraine’s recovery process goes hand-in-hand with its path to European Union accession. For millions of Ukrainians the future is defined by our shared destiny. This means aligning legal, economic, and institutional frameworks with European standards. I reaffirm the commitment made by European Union leaders four and a half years ago: Ukraine’s future is in the European Union.
As a first important step, accession negotiations opened formally last week, and we aim to open all remaining clusters as soon as possible. The process remains merit-based, but Ukraine has already achieved remarkable reforms under extraordinary circumstances. We will continue working together to sustain this progress. We know what is at stake and what this means to the Ukrainian people.
True reconstruction is about people. It means creating quality jobs, restoring high-quality education, and ensuring that vulnerable groups, veterans, and trauma survivors are fully included in society. Guided by human rights, no community should be left behind.
Ukraine’s reconstruction is a major contribution to lasting peace in Europe. It shows that freedom and democracy can prevail over autocracy. Let us remain united in this effort. Together, we can help Ukraine rise – stronger, freer, within the European Union, and more prosperous than ever. And to help Ukraine, that means that Ukraine will help Europe to be better and stronger.
Thank you.