European Council meeting and EU-ASEAN Summit
15.12.2022
The main topics of the European Council meeting were discussion of the situation in Ukraine, energy issues, security policy and defence. On the eve of the European Council, an EU-ASEAN summit was held. Poland was represented by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
Russia's aggression against Ukraine remains at the centre of leaders' discussions. The European Council discussed the European Union's continued support for Ukraine, in all its dimensions. "Poland is in favour of strengthening sanctions on Russia; we call on all other countries, especially Germany, France and the Netherlands to seal sanctions, strengthen and extend them," the head of the Polish government appealed. Thanks to Poland's efforts, the European Council agreed to adopt the 9th sanctions package.
EU leaders continued the discussion on the current situation in the energy market and its impact on the economy. The European Council took stock of the implementation of its October 2022 guidelines on EU energy market reforms.
In the discussion on security, Poland emphasised that in the current situation, the priority is to strengthen transatlantic ties and develop the Union's strategic partnership with NATO. The EU should support all activities of member states that serve to develop and rebuild their combat capabilities, including arms purchases made on an individual basis.
For the first time in history, a summit of leaders of EU and ASEAN member states was held to celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations. Leaders reaffirmed the strategic cooperation and expressed their will to develop key areas of strategic partnership.
Full text of the European Council conclusions: (LINK)
Text of the EU-ASEAN statement: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/12/14/eu-asean-commemorative-summit-joint-leaders-statement-14-december-2022/