EU will 'continue to support Ukraine' while upping pressure on Russia, says Costa

European Council President Antonio Costa said Tuesday that the EU will continue supporting Ukraine amid its war with Russia while also putting more pressure on Moscow.

“We will continue to support Ukraine, alongside continuing to increase pressure on Russia, ” Costa said after meeting Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in Vienna as part of his tour of EU capitals.

Costa said the EU faces a “stark new geopolitical reality” and needs to accelerate efforts to strengthen its security, prosperity, and competitiveness.

He said the bloc’s unity is essential to addressing common challenges and called for a new approach to its long-term budget for 2028-2034.

Costa urged member states to reach an agreement by the end of this year, saying the EU economy needs predictability and that preparations for the new budget must be completed before it takes effect in January 2028.

He said the budget should prioritize industry, innovation, security, and border protection while maintaining cohesion and agricultural policies.

Costa also said preparations for the October European Council meeting had been discussed, including migration.

“Migration is a European challenge that requires a European response,” he said.

EU enlargement, French elections

On EU enlargement, Costa said supporting Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans on their paths toward membership is an investment in Europe’s security and prosperity.

He said the process remains merit-based and anchored in the rule of law.

Asked about the presidential election in France next spring, Costa declined to comment, calling it an internal political matter.

“We are a union of democracies and we respect all electoral results. This is for the citizens, it’s not for us,” he said.

France’s presidential elections are set for next April 18, with a second round on May 2 if no candidate gets a majority in round one.

Emmanuel Macron, facing France's two-term limit, cannot seek reelection.