Summary of the day
The EU’s 27 heads of state and government met in Brussels.
Discussions focused on an aid package to Ukraine.
Leaders convinced Hungary’s Viktor Orbán to sign off on a €50bn aid package for Kyiv – which he had vetoed at an earlier summit in December – allowing for a unanimous agreement.
As a compromise, leaders agreed that “on the basis of the commission annual report on the implementation of the Ukraine facility, the European Council will hold a debate each year on the implementation of the facility with a view to providing guidance”.
They added that “if needed, in two years the European Council will invite the Commission to make a proposal for review in the context of the new MFF [multiannual financial framework].
Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the Ukrainian president, said he was grateful to EU leaders for their deal on long-term financial assistance but also urged them to step up on military aid.
EU leaders also signed off on a revision of the bloc’s long-term budget, with extra funding allocated for priorities such as migration.
Farmers protested in Brussels, throwing eggs and stones at the European parliament, lighting fires, dumping manure and setting off fireworks to put pressure on leaders.
Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, said farmers could count on European support and that the commission was working closely with member states to address challenges. The Belgian prime minister, Alexander De Croo, Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, and Von der Leyen met farmers’ representatives.
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“I want to simplify the daily lives of our farmers,” said the French prime minister, Gabriel Attal.
Je souhaite simplifier la vie quotidienne de nos agriculteurs.
— Gabriel Attal (@GabrielAttal) February 1, 2024
Simplifier car je préfère voir nos agriculteurs dans leurs champs que sur leurs écrans à remplir des formulaires.
À ma demande, partout en France, les préfets simplifient en ce moment même les normes en vigueur.
Au…
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“We listen to European farmers,” the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said as she met farmers’ representatives.
We listen to European farmers.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 1, 2024
They can count on European support.
We are addressing short-term challenges.
We will work with @EU2024BE on reducing the administrative burden.
And address the structural challenges faced by the sector in our Strategic Dialogue. pic.twitter.com/Jb3GXWIARf
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The French president, Emmanuel Macron, is addressing reporters after the summit.
“Support for Ukraine is united and unanimous,” he said.
On the Middle East, he said:
At this critical moment France’s objective is to speed up the ceasefire in Gaza, to secure the release of all hostages and prevent a dangerous regional escalation.
On farming, the French leader said agriculture was “in crisis”, adding he had asked the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, to address this in the current strategic dialogue just launched with agriculture interests.
“There is clearly a European battle being waged on this issue. I’ve asked the president of the commission to work on this in the strategy review that’s just been launched … to put in place a European egalitarianism, ie to ensure at a European level that there is no circumvention of what we’ve done in France” he said.
Speaking of farming, he said Europe needs to return to sovereignty.
Basically, we need to take account of the geopolitical situation, the state of our continent and put our food back at the heart of European food sovereignty.
Macron said he is not against a trade deal with Latin American countries in principle but he believes that the Mercosur deal, which is years in the making, is now past its sell by date.
“I don’t think we can ask European producers to accept a forced market to respect more rules, and at the same time continue to negotiate free-trade agreements as we did in the 80s.”
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'Gaza cannot be ignored', Maltese leader says
Robert Abela, Malta’s prime minister, said after the summit that “on the dire situation in Middle East – Gaza cannot be ignored”.
He added that “for the EU to be credible, it must live up to its role as a beacon of hope and a champion of human rights”.
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Leaders meet with farmers' reps
The Belgian prime minister, Alexander De Croo, the Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, and the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, are meeting with farmers’ representatives.
Leaders discussed agriculture during today’s Special #EUCO.
— Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU 2024 (@EU2024BE) February 1, 2024
Prime Minister @AlexanderDeCroo, Commission President @VonderLeyen and Dutch Prime Minister @MarkRutte meet with representatives of @COPACOGECA, the united voice of farmers and agri-cooperatives in the EU. pic.twitter.com/KpawJpEfL5
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Watch footage of farmers’ protests in Brussels today.
The European Parliament and place Luxembourg now pic.twitter.com/p4FjziZSh1
— Lisa O'Carroll (@lisaocarroll) February 1, 2024
Stand off between police and farmers just behind European Council building. All calm despite what looks like police water canon in standby and the relentless sounds of coloured smoke crackers pic.twitter.com/TS1EisSWNR
— Lisa O'Carroll (@lisaocarroll) February 1, 2024
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As farmers protested in Brussels, leaders wrote in their summit conclusions today:
The European Council discussed the challenges in the agricultural sector and concerns raised by farmers.
Recalling the essential role of the common agricultural policy, it calls on the council and the commission to take work forward as necessary.
The European Council will keep the situation under review.
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Here are the detailed budget numbers agreed by EU leaders today.
Emile Herbiet, a Belgian Blue cattle breeder, said farmers had had enough of EU leaders meeting just hundreds of metres away.
We have to work doubly hard for our income. We want the EU to be aware of our situation. There are too many regulations, the salaries are not high enough and now we are facing imports because of the Mercosur deal where farmers don’t even have to have the same standards as us.
Farmers union representatives said they were “fed up in general” with “too much administration” and rules telling them how they should farm.
“We want a change, we want farming to be protected not undermined,” said Olivier Devalckeneer, from the Federation Wallone d’Agriculture.
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'Farmers can count on European support', EU commission chief says
As farmers protest a few blocks away, the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, addressed their challenges in a press conference following today’s summit.
Farmers play an essential role in Europe’s economy and society, and their work contributes greatly to our food security and indeed also to our way of life. And they are key actors in ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources: they live with nature and from nature. It is after all the basis of their livelihoods and thus also the basis of our livelihood.
European farmers are dynamic. In 2022, productivity improved 13%, thanks to their efforts. And they also contribute positively to our external trade: last year again, agrifood exports increased by 5%.
She added:
I think it is fair to say our farmers have shown remarkable resilience in the face of the recent crises, but many challenges remain.
For example, the tension on prices, agrifood prices, or very competitive global market, that leads to uncertainty, and of course the need to remain competitive while working to high standards and environmental protection – a very complex endeavour.
The farmers can count on European support.
The common agricultural policy budget allocates close to €390bn – that is almost one-third of the European budget – to agriculture. And in 2023 alone, Europe provided exceptional assistance of over €500m to farmers most affected by crisis.
We know that this support is crucial. And we know that farmers are making good use of it.
But in parallel, the commission is now working closely with the member states to address the immediate challenges.
Von der Leyen pointed to the two announcements made earlier this week on fallow land use rules and safeguards on imports from Ukraine.
On trade issues, she noted:
Of course we have to defend legitimate interests of our farmers in our trade negotiations, in particular in ensuring a level playing field in terms of standards when we have trade agreements.
She added:
I’m very sensitive to the message that farmers are concerned by administrative burden.
The commission will work with the Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU on a proposal to reduce administrative burden, von der Leyen said.
And, she stressed, a strategic dialogue has already started with the agriculture sector and stakeholders with the aim of developing a roadmap.
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Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, has told reporters he is in favour of the Mercosur deal with Latin American countries being completed.
“The commission has a mandate to negotiate Mercosur and I have always been in favour of that,” he said.
This comes two days after France’s Emmanuel Macron said it should not be ratified, a view echoed by the Irish leader, Leo Varadkar, on arrival at the summit this morning.
The Mercosur deal is opposed by farmers protesting at the European Council building, arguing that the EU should not allow cheap imports from Latin America where labour costs and foods standards are lower.
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The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said after the summit she is “very satisfied” that the commission received 80% of funding it asked for in the review of the bloc’s long-term budget.
We had certainly some difficult choices to make, but we have a very good result.
We reaffirmed our commitment to fight illegal migration, we reaffirmed our commitment to support our western Balkan partners – this is the part of the growth plan that is in that budget – and the southern neighbourhood.
We will also increase our ability to deal with natural disasters in member states and humanitarian crises such as Gaza.
And furthermore STEP will support the much-needed development of critical technologies in Europe, including on defence, and increase our competitiveness.
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French farmers' unions suspend protests
Two major farmers unions in France have announced a decision to suspend protests and lift road blockades, the Associated Press reported.
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Speaking to reporters after the summit, the European Council president, Charles Michel, said today’s deal on funding for Ukraine shows Europe’s unity and leadership.
Addressing the issue of military aid for Ukraine, Michel said:
We have made good progress in supporting Ukraine through the European Peace Facility. We have decided to task our ministers to finalise work. We understand how it’s important to deliver.
And this debate today was extremely useful to make very clear that we are determined to make more efforts and to make sure that Ukraine will get the military equipment they need to defend their country and to defend their future.
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Commission president and two prime ministers to meet farming lobby
The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, and the prime ministers of Belgium and the Netherlands will meet the representatives of farming groups today.
Meeting confirmed of @alexanderdecroo with President @vonderleyen and @MinPres with members of the @COPACOGECA agricultural organizations following #EUCO https://t.co/RYqKBEQOGH
— Barend Leyts (@BarendLeyts) February 1, 2024
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Farmers continue Brussels protest
Here are photos of farmers protesting in Brussels today, from the Guardian’s correspondent, Lisa O’Carroll.
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Summit over
The European Council summit has officially ended.
Stay tuned for more updates as leaders brief the press.
Balázs Orbán, the Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán’s political director (no relation), has offered the following interpretation of today’s summit:
Regarding support for Ukraine, we faced two threats – firstly, an attempt to send money without control mechanisms, and secondly, a concern that the money of the Hungarian people might end up being sent to Ukraine.
Today, we managed to avoid both threats. At the end of the first year, aid to Ukraine must be renegotiated, and at the end of the second year, the entire issue will be reconsidered in the context of the EU budget for the next period.
Hungary’s rightful EU funds will remain with its people, with the European Council guaranteeing fair negotiation procedures for accessing them with the commission.
To counter pro-war sentiments in Brussels, the people of Europe must unite, working together to bring about change in the upcoming European parliament elections.
His comment, however, is not in line with what the leaders formally agreed.
The summit conclusions, which all leaders agreed to, state:
On the basis of the commission annual report on the implementation of the Ukraine facility, the European Council will hold a debate each year on the implementation of the facility with a view to providing guidance.
If needed, in two years the European Council will invite the commission to make a proposal for review in the context of the new MFF [Multiannual Financial Framework].
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Orbán welcomes deal – but presents own version of events
After a long silence, Viktor Orbán has taken to social media to declare victory in the summit.
He said Hungary had negotiated a “control mechanism” that “guarantees the reasonable use of the money” for Ukraine. “We got a guarantee that Hungary’s money can’t end up in Ukraine,” he added.
The Hungarian leader also said he is happy the markets reacted positively to the deal.
Mission accomplished. Hungary’s funds will not end up in Ukraine and we have a control mechanism at the end of the first and the second year. Our position on the war in Ukraine remains unchanged: we need a ceasefire and peace talks. pic.twitter.com/vui5NxPzGw
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) February 1, 2024
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Watch the Guardian’s Brussels correspondent, Lisa O’Carroll, ask the European parliament president, Roberta Metsola, about the summit’s deal.
Hungary’s Viktor Orbán is increasingly isolated within the EU. But Hungarian leader sees the Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, as a friendly colleague, and is also exploring joining the European Conservatives and Reformists party, which she leads.
Nevertheless, the two don’t see eye to eye on all issues, and in recent days a new issue has sparked tension between Budapest and Rome.
An Italian teacher and antifascist activist, who was brought to court in chains in Hungary for allegedly attacking neo-Nazis and whose case has sparked a row and protest in Italy, has written a letter denouncing the degrading conditions in which she is being held in prison.
Images of Ilaria Salis, 39, with her hands cuffed and chained, and her feet locked together as she sat in court, made the front pages of Italy’s major newspapers, amid growing outrage over her case, with Italian ministers summoning Budapest’s ambassador.
The teacher from Monza, near Milan, was arrested in Budapest in February last year after a counter-demonstration against a neo-Nazi rally.
“For a total of one month, divided into three periods, I have been in cells that measure less than 7 sq metres, excluding the bathroom,” Ilaria wrote in a letter in October, first published on Wednesday by the TV broadcaster La7.
“You spend 23 hours out of 24 in a completely closed cell … Besides the bedbugs, the cells and corridors are full of cockroaches and mice.”
She said that she was supposed to undergo a medical examination last March for a breast ultrasound, as she allegedly has a lump.
“Only in mid-June did they finally take me to a clinic where they performed an ultrasound and mammogram … But I have not received any written report, which has instead been delivered to the prison doctor, who refuses to hand it over to my lawyer.”
The Hungarian government defended its treatment of the Italian antifascist activist on Wednesday.
Meloni, leader of the post-fascist Brothers of Italy party, has been close to Hungary’s nationalist premier.
However, they have diverged over Ukraine, with Rome sending money and weapons to Kyiv to help defend against Russia’s invasion.
According to government sources, Meloni reportedly raised the woman’s case with Orbán in a phone call on Monday.
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Zelenskiy 'grateful' for financial aid but calls for more military assistance
Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the Ukrainian president, said he is grateful to EU leaders for their deal on long-term financial assistance to Kyiv – but also urged them to step up on military aid.
In a video address to leaders gathered in Brussels, the Ukrainian leader said the decision on €50bn in aid “is a clear signal that Ukraine will withstand and that Europe will withstand”.
But he also added:
Unfortunately, the implementation of the European plan to supply 1m artillery shells to Ukraine is being delayed.
And this too is a signal of global competition, in which Europe cannot afford to lose.
And that’s why today your unity is so needed in creating the Ukraine Assistance Fund within our European Peace Facility.
This is the kind of reliability and long-term support which we now have to set against the corresponding challenges. Not less than €5bn a year, for a term of four years. A clear priority.
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'Bad signal': Belgian PM speaks out against farmers' toppling of statue
Alexander De Croo, the Belgian prime minister, has criticised protesting farmers’ move to topple a statue in Brussels today.
Démonter la statue de John Cockerill, figure emblématique de l'industrie belge, est un mauvais signal. Arrêtons d'opposer agriculture et industrie. Agriculteurs et industriels peuvent s’entendre. Nous avons besoin des deux secteurs pour viser une économie forte et durable.
— Alexander De Croo 🇧🇪🇪🇺 (@alexanderdecroo) February 1, 2024
Metsola welcomes deal on Ukraine funding
Roberta Metsola, the European parliament president, welcomed today’s deal on financial support for Ukraine.
“This is good news … Ukraine is our priority,” the president said, adding that the agreement would “give the credibility, the legitimacy, and the predictability that is expected from us”.
When it comes to the EU budget, Metsola said:
We will still need to scrutinise the details of this deal.
The parliament has been very clear in its priorities and its position that we need to live up to our promises, to boost our competitiveness and to be credible for our citizens.
As we understand, the agreement that was reached includes a modest increase in funding for migration management and for natural disasters, but in reality it also pulls money out of programs that our citizens depend on and which member states agreed on, a few years ago.
With the European elections in sight – and this was one of the points I made with the heads of state and government – we should boost, and not reduce, our funding for heath, EU4Health for example, and research such as Horizon.
Metsola said she also discussed the situation in the Middle East with the EU’s leaders.
“It is possible to break the cycle of history, a two-state solution can offer security to Israel and a perspective for the Palestinian people,” she said.
The parliament president also stressed that “2024 will be a massive year for democracy.”
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More insider information on what went on inside the room where Hungary’s Viktor Orbán finally caved into pressure over the €50bn Ukraine fund.
Asked if any of the leaders threatened the Hungarian leader with repercussions, given the talk about either stripping him of voting rights or undermining the Hungarian economy, a source said:
I don’t think they had to make a big threat, but the last few weeks have shown a great deal of unity among the 26. So I don’t think that the biggest threatening gesture that was made at the weekend [sabotaging the economy] made sense. But it was clear that he was very much on his own.
Sources say they had the impression that Orbán knew the game was up this morning.
“He wasn’t angry or anything, but he already knew,” said the insider who says the agreement would give him the domestic story he wants to claim a victory.
Deal 'step of historic proportions', Ukrainian minister says
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s foreign minister, has said that today’s EU agreement on €50bn for Kyiv “is a step of historic proportions”.
“It demonstrates that any talk about alleged ‘fatigue’ or ‘waning support’ is simply false,” the minister said, adding:
Europe has once again demonstrated its strength and ability to make major decisions independent of others. The EU is leading the way and setting an example for the rest of the world to follow.
I am grateful to #EUCO for approving the decision to establish the €50 billion Ukraine Facility in 2024-2027.
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) February 1, 2024
This is a step of historic proportions. It demonstrates that any talk about alleged "fatigue" or "waning support" is simply false.
Europe has once again demonstrated…
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Orbán goes quiet
While Viktor Orbán was at the centre of attention this morning, he has yet to publicly react to the deal on funding for Ukraine – he has yet to speak to the press or post anything on social media, even as other EU leaders celebrate the agreement.
'He got nothing'
Did Viktor Orbán get a compromise before agreeing the deal this morning?
No, say delegates with some of the key member states involved in the negotiation this morning.
“He got nothing,” said one.
Or, as another said: “He just didn’t see any more options. He cashed in.”
Protesting farmers clash with police in Brussels
Here is footage of tense farmers’ protests in Brussels today.
“The EU keeps its promise to Ukraine,” the Belgian prime minister, Alexander De Croo, said, adding that “once again we reaffirm the unity of the 27 member states.”
The EU keeps its promise to #Ukraine
— Alexander De Croo 🇧🇪🇪🇺 (@alexanderdecroo) February 1, 2024
The people of Ukraine and President @ZelenskyyUa are fighting for the freedom of all Europeans.
Once again we reaffirm the unity of the 27 member states. @EU2024BE #EUCO
An update on Hungary-related tensions at Nato:
No movement is expected on Hungary’s Nato ratification of Sweden today despite both countries’ leaders being in Brussels.
Prime ministers Ulf Kristersson and Viktor Orbán are due to meet later today at an as yet unspecified time for discussions, according to Swedish sources, but no Nato negotiations will take place.
However, it is understood that subjects up for discussion could include arranging a time for Kristersson to visit Budapest after he was invited by Orbán after Turkey’s parliament gave Sweden’s Nato accession the green light.
Hungary is now the last remaining member of the alliance to ratify Sweden - despite having previously said it would not be the last to do so.
Today’s agreement “demonstrates EU unity and that together we can deliver,” Estonia’s Kaja Kallas said.
We have an agreement! All EU 27 countries have approved the 50 billion EUR financial aid package for Ukraine.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) February 1, 2024
It again demonstrates EU unity and that together we can deliver.
An important signal to Ukraine that the EU stands behind you long-term, until victory. #EUCO pic.twitter.com/O81iZW9tVS
'Very important' that all 27 agreed to funding deal, Zelenskiy says
Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he is grateful to EU leaders for establishing a new €50bn facility for his country.
“It is very important that the decision was made by all 27 leaders, which once again proves strong EU unity,” he said.
The Ukrainian leader added:
Continued EU financial support for Ukraine will strengthen long-term economic and financial stability, which is no less important than military assistance and sanctions pressure on Russia.
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What are the 2020 rule of law conclusions referenced in the compromise?
As part of today’s deal, leaders agreed to state in their summit conclusions that “the European Council recalls its December 2020 conclusions on the application of the conditionality mechanism”.
Why is this relevant for Hungary’s Viktor Orbán?
In 2020, the leaders agreed to create a new mechanism that allows the bloc to suspend EU funding to a member state in a scenario when breaches of the principles of the rule of law affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the EU budget or the bloc’s protection of the financial interests.
The mechanism was later triggered to suspend part of Hungary’s EU funding.
In the 2020 conclusions, leaders stressed that “the [EU] budget, including next generation EU, must be protected against any kind of fraud, corruption and conflict of interest”.
At the time, they noted that “the application of the conditionality mechanism under the regulation will be objective, fair, impartial and fact-based, ensuring due process, non-discrimination and equal treatment of member states”.
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Viktor Orbán has agreed a deal with fellow EU leaders on a €50bn support package for Ukraine, the spokesperson for Charles Michel has confirmed.
He finally succumbed to pressure after a series of meetings last night and this morning with the Italian, French and German prime ministers.
They agreed two compromises – if needed, in two years there would be a European Commission proposal for review in the context of the new EU budget.
There was also an additional measure on the rule of law conditionality mechanism, the spokesperson said.
After the deal was struck, the European Council president then consulted with other EU leaders and they agreed “quickly”, said the spokesperson.
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Here's the wording leaders agreed
Leaders have agreed on the following text, according to a document seen by the Guardian:
On the basis of the commission annual report on the implementation of the Ukraine facility, the European Council will hold a debate each year on the implementation of the facility with a view to providing guidance. If needed, in two years the European Council will invite the commission to make a proposal for review in the context of the new MFF.
They also agreed:
The European Council recalls its December 2020 conclusions on the application of the conditionality mechanism.
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EU leaders welcome agreement
EU leaders are celebrating today’s deal on funding for Ukraine.
“Excellent news for the security of Latvia and all of Europe,” wrote the Latvian prime minister, Evika Siliņa.
Petteri Opro, the Finnish prime minister, said: “It is important that we move forward and that the support for Ukraine continues to be strong as planned.”
Agreement! 27 #EU countries have fulfilled our commitment to provide #Ukraine with predictable, long-term support of 50 billion euros. This will strengthen 🇺🇦 in its fight for freedom. Excellent news for the security of #Latvia and all of Europe. 🇱🇻🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/YeXhRQ2nxG
— Evika Siliņa 🇱🇻🇺🇦 (@EvikaSilina) February 1, 2024
Saimme EU-huippukokouksessa päämiesten kesken sovun Ukrainan tukemisesta. EU tukee Ukrainaa 50 miljardilla eurolla. Päätös syntyi yksimielisesti. On tärkeää, että pääsemme eteenpäin ja Ukrainan tuki jatkuu suunnitellusti vahvana. #EUCO
— Petteri Orpo (@PetteriOrpo) February 1, 2024
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Deal reached on €50bn in EU aid for Ukraine
Charles Michel, the European Council president, has announced that a deal has been reached on €50bn for Ukraine.
“All 27 leaders agreed,” he said, adding that “this locks in steadfast, long-term, predictable funding for Ukraine.”
The agreement comes after the bloc’s most influential politicians sat down with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán this morning.
Orbán had vetoed an agreement during a summit in December, and efforts have been ongoing to bring him onboard.
Michel’s announcement indicates leaders succeeded in convincing the Hungarian leader.
We have a deal. #Unity
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) February 1, 2024
All 27 leaders agreed on an additional €50 billion support package for Ukraine within the EU budget.
This locks in steadfast, long-term, predictable funding for #Ukraine.
EU is taking leadership & responsibility in support for Ukraine; we know what is…
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Leaders have entered the room for the official start of talks. Viktor Orbán is also in attendance.
Summit officially begins
The summit is now starting, following a delay as influential leaders met in smaller groups.
‼️ The Special European Council has started.
— Ecaterina Casinge (@ecasinge) February 1, 2024
On the agenda:
📌MFF
📌Military assistance to Ukraine
📌Middle East pic.twitter.com/G1lvrMmOvl
Another small group has gathered for talks, as the formal start of the summit was delayed:
Poland’s Donald Tusk, European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, European Council president, Charles Michel, French president, Emmanuel Macron, German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, were in attendance.
Trwa robocze spotkanie przed szczytem Rady Europejskiej z udziałem @donaldtusk, @vonderleyen, @eucopresident, @EmmanuelMacron, @Bundeskanzler, @MinPres. pic.twitter.com/2BFMkaxB3X
— Kancelaria Premiera (@PremierRP) February 1, 2024
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The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, is pushing for a deal among all 27 EU government.
Wir müssen als EU geschlossen dazu beitragen, dass die Ukraine in der Lage ist, sich zu verteidigen. Alle 27 Mitgliedsländer müssen dazu eine Entscheidung erreichen wollen. In einer Gemeinschaft wie Europa eine ist, sollte das möglich sein. #EUCO
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) February 1, 2024
Orbán- Kristersson meeting expected today
Ulf Kristersson, the Swedish prime minister, is due to meet his Hungarian counterpart, Viktor Orbán, in Brussels today for the first time since their public exchange over his country’s drawn out delay to ratifying Sweden’s Nato membership.
Kristersson, who flew to Brussels last night after spending the day in Sweden with French president Emmanuel Macron, who was on a state visit, said yesterday that they “had not nailed down a specific time” to meet at the European Council, but added: “I am guaranteed to speak with him.”
After Turkey gave its long-awaited green light to Sweden’s Nato membership last week, leaving Hungary the single remaining country to ratify, Orban invited Kristersson for negotiations on the subject, leaving Hungary’s allies “exasperated” by his foot-dragging.
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Varadkar says Mercosur deal should not go ahead
Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar has said the planned Mercosur trade deals with the south American countries should not go ahead.
He said he agrees with France’s Emmanuel Macron, who said in Sweden the deal, which has been years in the making, should not be signed off.
“We need clarity on Mercosur, we ask that the deal should not be signed in its current shape,” Macron said on a visit on Wednesday to Sweden, putting his demand on the record.
Varadkar said on Thursday:
I also would echo President Macron comments in relation to Mercosur, that this trade agreement cannot be ratified in its current form, that we can’t have a situation whereby we impose environmental regulations on farmers that allow imports from countries that don’t have those same regulations.
Farmers have pelted the Brussels-Luxembourg train station, near the European Parliament, with eggs while smoke hangs over Luxembourg Square in front of the buildings after waste was set on fire.
Varadkar said:
Many protests that are occurring. And what quite a number of heads of government here, who understand the pressures that our farmers are under, whether it’s increased energy costs of fertiliser costs and new environmental regulations, it is layer on layer for farmers.
“I think the priority for us should be implementing existing rules and regulations and not imposing new additional ones on farmers over the next couple of years.”
As leaders gather to discuss support for Ukraine, protesting farmers appear to have taken down and damaged a historic statue in Brussels, in front of the European parliament.
Meanwhile in Italy
In Italy, where hundreds of tractors blocked traffic on a motorway near Milan on Wednesday, deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini blamed European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen for the protests.
“The Von der Leyen commission is disastrous in relation to labour and rights,” Salvini, who leads the far-right League party, told reporters in Brussels, adding that most of the issues “are with the crazy, pseudo-green European policies that regard farmers, fishers, truck drivers...it is clear that this Europe has put ideology ahead of labour.”
Italian farmers have also protested in Tuscany, Lazio, Piedmont and Sardinia in recent days.
Josep Borrell has said it is vital that the funding of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) continues while the investigation into allegations that a number of staff were involved in the 7 October Hamas attacks are ongoing.
He said the investigation “had to be done” but there should be no “collective punishment” of the wider Palestinian population funded through the UNRWA schemes.
“You cut funding to UNRWA you are punishing the whole Palestinian people, there is not an alternative to UNRWA as the UN has clearly said.
“Do you want to keep these people alive, no collective punishment fo the Palestinian people, no cutting funds to UNRWA.
“An investigation of course, but there are hundreds of thousands of people being supported by UNRWA. You cannot stop funding that is keeping these people alive.”
Robert Abela, Malta’s prime minister, wrote on social media ahead of today’s summit that his country’s “call for peace and security remains, as stability in Europe is key for our country and the rest of the region.”
Arrived in Brussels for the special #EUCO summit. Discussions will focus on the mid-term review of the financial framework and the Middle East. Malta’s call for peace and security remains, as stability in Europe is key for our country and the rest of the region. - RA
— Robert Abela (@RobertAbela_MT) February 1, 2024
'Only one possible outcome' today, Dutch leader says
Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister, said “there is only one possible outcome” at today’s summit: “that the 50 billion euro package gets approved one way or another.”
He added:
There must be no doubt about that. This is the only way to ensure that Ukraine is properly equipped, in both military and financial terms, to continue resisting Russian aggression.
I sincerely hope that today all 27 member states can reach this decision jointly. Ukraine must get this money swiftly and on a structural basis.
'Now is the time to reach a decision,' German chancellor says
The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said this morning that he believes “now is the time to reach a decision” on EU funding for Ukraine, Reuters reported.
He added:
I will work very hard to come to an agreement of all 27.
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Borrell calls for 'urgency' on Ukraine support
The EU’s chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, has said he wants to see a greater “sense of urgency” at today’s summit in relation to military support for Ukraine.
“I want to stress the war of Russia against Ukraine is the biggest threat to European security ... We can and we should do more to support Ukraine.
“This is the biggest threat to European security, that is why if we don’t do it, we will pay a higher price.
“My proposal is to increase the military support to Ukraine inside the European Peace Facility.
“I will urge them [the leaders] to reach an agreement as soon as possible because there is no more time.
He added:
“We have in the next month to increase our military support to Ukraine as we have been doing by increasing the numbers of ammunition, but it is still not enough.
“More has to be done. I don’t think we have the sense of urgency when we deal with that. This is going to be an intense discussion.”
Meanwhile a few blocks away: Here are images from the farmers’ protest in Brussels
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Orbán: 'Casual' talks with leaders
As Viktor Orbán holds talks with Europe’s most influential leaders, he took to social media to post a photo with the sarcastic description: “casual morning conversation.”
Casual morning conversation before the #EUCO with @EmmanuelMacron @GiorgiaMeloni @Bundeskanzler @CharlesMichel and @vonderleyen . pic.twitter.com/eTnUH2jpcN
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) February 1, 2024
'We see you', EU parliament president tells farmers
“Ukraine is our top priority,” the European parliament president, Roberta Metsola, told reporters this morning.
She added:
We need an agreement today. And it should be at 27. This will impact our legitimacy, our credibility and our predictability, because Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security.
We also need to top up badly-needed funds that our citizens depend on: on health, on energy, on research.
Metsola also said:
To the farmers that are outside: we see you and we hear you. And if you want your voice to be heard, make it heard also in June, when you vote for the European parliament elections.
She also noted that the European parliament had called for a “permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the return of all hostages – this is the only way to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.”
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Asked what he would be saying to Viktor Orbán at the summit, Polish prime minister Donald Tusk was brief:
“Nothing nice,” he said.
Europe needs to move forward, Latvian leader says pointing to farmers
“We need to find a solution as quick as possible,” Latvia’s prime minister, Evika Siliņa, said when arriving at the summit, adding that “the best is 27.”
She added:
I understand that while we are debating, there are also other matters, [which] are important to European citizens. Therefore we need to move forward.
We see farmers today on the streets of Brussels. And there are also other matters in European budget, what need to be solved by common decisions, such as border security, migration and farmers.
So I believe we have to do everything possible to find a solution today and to move forward also to other matters.
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Irish leader says no 'cliff edge' on Ukraine funding but 'very frustrated'
Whatever happens today there will be no “cliff edge” for funding in Ukraine, Ireland’s taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said.
But he warned the only person who would benefit from a lack of agreement today on the €50bn funding for Ukraine would be “Putin”.
“I think it would be another good reason to make sure that we have agreement here.
“I think we have to leave here with the results. I don’t think we can come back here in a few weeks time or a few months time.”
On whether Hungary should remain in the EU if it continues to “blackmail”, in the words of senior EU officials and fellow leaders, he said:
I think Hungary should absolutely stay in the EU countries a European country. And I think their place is in the European Union. There will be governments from time to time and different member states that don’t always act in accordance with European values, but I think we need to think about Hungarian people and what is best for them.
He said he was “very frustrated” by Hungary’s belligerence. “And I think all other heads of governments are too” as the EU system is about “making compromises” on issues that are for “the greater good”.
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'Orbán fatigue': Polish leader criticises Hungary's 'egoistic game'
Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, told reporters that there is “Orbán fatigue.”
Arriving at the summit, the veteran politician said:
I can’t understand, I can’t accept this very strange and very egoistic game of Viktor Orbán. And there is no room for compromise on our principles like rule of law, and for sure there is no room for compromise on Ukraine question.
He added:
My instinct is that we will find some strong arguments to convince at the end of the day also Viktor.
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Last-minute negotiations ongoing
As leaders prepare for the summit, last-minute talks are ongoing to convince Hungary’s Viktor Orbán to sign off on a funding package for Ukraine.
Charles Michel, the European Council president, posted a photo of talks with Orbán.
Sitting around the table are also Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, French president Emmanuel Macron, German chancellor Olaf Scholz, and the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen.
Final countdown to the #EUCO summit.
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) February 1, 2024
Consultations ongoing. pic.twitter.com/WcXLjhxViN
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Farmers protest in Brussels as leaders meet
As EU leaders arrive for the summit at the Council, farmers are protesting by the European parliament building.
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'No one can blackmail EU 26 countries', Finnish prime minister says
Petteri Orpo, the Finnish prime minister, said “we have [a] very important day today.”
We have very good solution from December between 26 member states. Today, best result would be the solution between 27. If it is not possible, we have to be ready to finalise the decision to help Ukraine and finalise our budget between 26 member states.
He added:
I want to say that we are ready to negotiate, but our values are not [for] sale – and we have to understand that the situation in Ukraine is so difficult, it is crucial to find a solution. And for me it’s unacceptable that one country can block such an important decision.
The Finnish leader stressed: “No one can blackmail 26 EU countries.”
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Diplomats expect deal today
Senior diplomats who spoke with the Guardian this morning were optimistic that a compromise could be reached on a funding package for Ukraine.
One senior diplomat said:
The mood is both of determination and frustration. The deal will be there in any event, just the question is how much Orbán wants to deepen his self-isolation.
Asked if Orbán would agree to a deal, a second senior diplomat said:
I think he will.
'Viktor definitely wants to be the centre of attention', Estonian leader says
Kaja Kallas, the Estonian prime minister, said when arriving at the summit that “our aim is to have a solution for 27 countries, so we try to bring everybody on board.”
She was referring to ongoing efforts to convince Hungary to sign off on a proposed 50 billion euro package for Ukraine.
The Estonian leader also addressed challenges surrounding ammunition.
What is good out of it is that the production of ammunition has tripled in Europe. Of course it’s not enough.
What it also showed is that the defence readiness of European countries is far behind of what it should be. So definitely it sends a clear message to everybody that we should all do more.
Asked about the proposed long-term funding for Ukraine, Kallas said:
Viktor definitely wants to be the centre of attention every time we are here, but it shouldn’t be like this. We should agree and stick to it. And of course we can review decisions we have made, but Ukraine needs a long-term commitment.
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Viktor Orbán arrives
The Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán, has arrived in the building.
He was seen entering the summit venue together with his European affairs minister, János Bóka – a key figure in the negotiations – and Hungary’s ambassador to the EU, Bálint Ódor.
Key event
The Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán, swerved dinner with fellow EU leaders last night and instead went on a walk about with farmers, in a move designed to burnish his credentials at home as Europe’s premier populist leader.
“The voice of the people is not taken seriously by the leaders,” he told them.
He made no mention of the European Commission’s proposal yesterday, designed to help farmers by providing an exemption from fallow lands rules.
Back in #Brussels. We will stand up for the voice of the people! Even if the bureaucrats in Brussels blackmail us. #FarmerProtests pic.twitter.com/9Zws6ek9Hc
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) January 31, 2024
All eyes on Orbán as leaders arrive for key summit
EU leaders have returned to Brussels for a second showdown in as many months with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán over his refusal to sanction a new €50bn assistance package for Ukraine.
There is a strong sense of frustration among leaders that they are trekking back to the Belgian capital after six weeks of negotiations with Orbán that have amounted to nothing.
Will he, at the moment of reckoning, cave and unite Europe in the face of war with Russia in Ukraine?
Many believe he will.
Or will he continue to insist that he must have annual vetos on the support for the four-year Ukraine facility.
All other member states have agreed the budget, so it could be a short summit.
It will be up to the European Council president, Charles Michel, to assess at which point during proceedings they will call it a day. A tough call.
Other topics on the agenda include the Middle East and strategic technologies to make Europe more competitive.
In the budget box is also €2bn for migration and border management, €1.5bn for solidarity and emergency aid and just under €7.6bn for deals with neighbours such as Tunisia, Egypt, Turkey and others further afield.
Read the full story here.
Agreement among 27 leaders 'crucial', Belgian leader says
Arriving at the summit, the Belgian prime minister, Alexander De Croo, calling today’s gathering a “very important one, which really has one main topic: and the main topic is, how do we continue our support to Ukraine.”
He added:
It really is crucial that we come to an agreement, that we come to an agreement with 27 countries.
The Belgian leader also said he is “confident” a compromise is possible.
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Welcome to the summit blog
Good morning and welcome to a special edition of the Europe live blog, coming to you from the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels.
Stay tuned for the latest updates and analysis as the EU’s 27 heads of state and government hold talks about support for Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East – and as farmers protest in Brussels.
The summit was called with the purpose of convincing Hungary’s Viktor Orbán to sign off on a long-term €50bn aid package for Ukraine, which he vetoed in December. It still remains unclear whether the Hungarian leader will agree – though there are signals that a compromise is emerging.
Send comments and tips to lili.bayer@theguardian.com.
