Press remarks by President António Costa following the video conference of the members of the European Council.

Statement by President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Starmer, President Stubb, Prime Minister Tusk, President Costa, President von der Leyen, following President Trump’s debrief on his meeting with the Russian President in Alaska on 15 August 2025.

President Macron, Prime Minister Starmer and Chancellor Merz co-chaired a virtual meeting of a grouping of ‘Coalition of the Willing’ Leaders, with the participation of President Zelenskyy and Vice-President Vance, ahead of President Trump’s meeting with President Putin in Alaska.

Press statement by President António Costa following the coordination meetings on Ukraine between European Union leaders, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump, underlining the shared commitment to a ceasefire in Ukraine, respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty, and transatlantic cooperation in pursuit of a just and lasting peace.

The European Union leaders welcome President Trump’s efforts to put an end to Russia’s war of aggression and to achieve a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine. The European Union stands with the Ukrainian people, united for a diplomatic solution that protects Ukraine's and Europe's vital security interests.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/1495 of 18 July 2025 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/1478 of 18 July 2025 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/1471 of 18 July 2025 amending Decision 2012/642/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2025/1461 of 18 July 2025 implementing Decision 2012/642/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

The Council adopted an implementing decision authorising the disbursement of the fourth instalment under the Ukraine Plan of the Ukraine Facility.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on
the alignment of certain third countries with Council amending Decision (CFSP) 2025/1547 amending Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532concerning restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region.

The Council adopted its 18th package of economic and individual restrictive measures designed to target vital sectors of the Russian economy such as energy and banking, further weakening the regime’s ability to wage its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine.

The Council imposed restrictive measures against nine individuals and six entities responsible for Russia’s hybrid activities against the EU and its member states and Ukraine.

The Council imposed restrictive measures on five individuals responsible for serious violations or abuses of human rights and for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Russia.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/1320 of 30 June 2025 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine.

The leaders of member states and international organisations of the Coalition of the Willing gathered in London, Rome and virtually to discuss strengthening support to Ukraine and further pressure on Russia.

President of the European Council António Costa travelled to Rome and gave a speech at the second plenary session of the Ukraine Recovery Conference on 10 July 2025.

President António Costa travelled to Aarhus (Denmark) to attend the opening ceremony of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU. On the sides of this event he had a meeting with Prime Minister Frederiksen, President von der Leyen and President Zelenskyy followed by a joint press conference.

The Council prolonged the EU sectoral restrictive measures in view of the Russian Federation's continuing actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine, until 31 January 2026.

During the press conference held at the end of the European Council meeting of 26 June 2025, President António Costa presented the main results of the discussions.