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EU united in its defence of peace, human rights and democratic values in Ukraine
The global international order changed the day the Russian Federation launched its unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine. Decisive action has been taken by the European Union and its member states, which have joined forces and shown unity and solidarity to help Ukraine.
The EU Council, determined to give protection, safety and support to Ukraine and its people, imposed restrictive measures against the Russian Federation. EU member states, the EU Council and the other EU institutions are working around the clock to adopt and coordinate their measures.
Here we bring you the state of play on EU action to support Ukraine in its fight for peace, freedom and democracy. What happens in Ukraine will have reverberations across the European continent and the world. Defending the democratic values enshrined in the EU treaties is essential.
The current situation is extremely painful and difficult for the Ukrainians. More than ever, we must be together with the Ukrainians … This is our political and moral duty.
President of the European Council, Charles Michel, 2 March 2022 (Poland)
What key measures has the EU taken to support Ukraine so far and why?
4 March 2022:Helping persons fleeing the war in Ukraine
The EU agreed to introduce temporary protection for people fleeing the war in Ukraine. Temporary protection gives rights to residence, access to employment, housing and education for children.
This is due to the ongoing mass arrival of displaced persons in the EU. These persons will receive the same level of protection in all member states.
In the midst of a difficult moment unlike any we have seen in decades, we stand with Ukraine.
Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, which currently holds the Presidency of the European Council, 2 March 2022, Paris
2 March 2022: Fighting disinformation and the financing of the war
The EU suspended the broadcasting activities of Sputnik and RT (Russia Today) within the EU.
Media outlets Sputnik and RT (Russia Today) are under the permanent direct or indirect control of the authorities of the Russian Federation. The Council introduced these restrictions to stop disinformation and information manipulation actions against the EU and its member states.
The EU excluded seven Russian banks from SWIFT, a global messaging network that connects thousands of financial institutions around the world. This will ensure that these banks are disconnected from the international financial system and will harm their ability to operate globally.
The seven banks are Bank Otkritie, Novikombank, Promsvyazbank, Rossiya Bank, Sovcombank, Vnesheconombank (VEB), and VTB Bank.
Given Belarus’ involvement and aid in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU approved individual and economic sanctions on Belarus, targeting 22 people and trade entities.
28 February 2022: Up to €500 million funding for military and non-military equipment for the Ukrainian armed forces and restricting Russian finance and access to airspace
The EU approved new measures to respond to the military aggression, which include:
An up to €500 million support package, to finance equipment and supplies for the Ukrainian armed forces, under the European Peace Facility
a ban on transactions with theRussian Central Bank
a ban on the overflight of EU airspace and on access to EU airports by Russian aircraft
new sanctions on an additional 26 persons and one entity.
These measures were taken to limit Russia’s access to cash reserves to fund the war, to support Ukrainian forces in defending themselves, and to isolate Russia in the skies. Controlling air traffic ensures that the Russian government cannot transfer essentials for the war effort and that the Russian political elite cannot transfer their private wealth to get around European sanctions.
25 February 2022: Sanctions targeting Russian President Putin and Minister Lavrov
The EU decided to freeze the assets of Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, and Sergey Lavrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, to prevent them from using their private funds to finance the war machine.
Following Russia's launch of a large-scale military aggression against Ukraine, the European Council and its member states unanimously decided that they must react strongly to support Ukraine and its people. The EU adopted firm restrictive measures.
These measures include:
targeted sanctions against the 351 members of the Russian State Duma (government officials) and an additional 27 individuals
restrictions on economic relations (trade)
restrictions on Russia's access the EU’s capital and financial markets and services
We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia's unprecedented military aggression against Ukraine. By its unprovoked and unjustified military actions, Russia is grossly violating international law and undermining European and global security and stability […] The EU stands firmly by Ukraine and its people as they face this unparalleled crisis.
President of the European Council, Charles Michel, 24 February 2022 (Brussels)
21 February: €1.2 billion macro-financial assistance to Ukraine
The EU has provided an additional €1.2 billion macro-financial assistance to foster stability in the country, in view of the impact of geo-political instability on Ukraine's access to financial markets. In addition, between 2014 and 2021, the EU supported Ukraine through five consecutive macro-financial assistance (MFA) operations totalling €5 billion in loans.
Sanctions imposed by the EU Council on Russia actually began in March 2014, to respond to Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea. EU ministers decided to introduce a first set of restrictive measures against 21 officials linked to actions threatening Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Since then, the Council has followed Russian actions and responded when needed.
The association agreement between the EU and Ukraine which entered into force on 1 September 2017 is the main tool for bringing Ukraine and the EU closer together. It promotes: deeper political ties; stronger economic links; and the respect for common values. The deep and comprehensive free trade area (DCFTA) is the economic part of the agreement. It offers a framework for modernising Ukraine's economy and trade relations.
Ukraine is a country in eastern Europe. It is the second-largest country by area in Europe after Russia, which it borders to the east and north-east.
Ukraine also borders Belarus to the north; Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west; Romania and Moldova to the south; and has a coastline along the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.
With a population of 43.6 million, Ukraine is the eighth most populous country in Europe. Its capital and largest city is Kyiv.
As the Ukraine crisis evolves, the EU may need to adopt further measures in order to support Ukraine and its people, and uphold the EU values of peace, democracy, respect of human rights and the rule of law.
“We would prefer to solve this conflict through dialogue and negotiations. But let there be no doubt. We will hold to account all those responsible for this war, and all those who violate the law of war and international humanitarian law.”
President of the European Council, Charles Michel, stated on 27 February 2022
The current situation is extremely painful and difficult for the Ukrainians. More than ever, we must be together with the Ukrainians … This is our political and moral duty.
We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia's unprecedented military aggression against Ukraine. By its unprovoked and unjustified military actions, Russia is grossly violating international law and undermining European and global security and stability […] The EU stands firmly by Ukraine and its people as they face this unparalleled crisis.