Brussels: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides raised the issue of sanctions violations by third countries, noting that such breaches undermine the effectiveness of the measures, during the European Council's overnight session on Ukraine. He also referred to his recent visit and discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides, speaking early on Friday morning in Brussels after the meeting, stated that the six-hour discussion on financing Ukraine led to a specific reference regarding the procurement of equipment by Ukraine with financial assistance from the European Union, excluding countries such as Turkey. He clarified that there was agreement on the European Union borrowing funds to support Ukraine, with ongoing discussions about the use of Russian assets by the Committee of Permanent Representatives.
The President highlighted unresolved legal questions related to the decision, recalling the European Council's commitment in October to find a solution. Ultimately, the Council chose the second proposal by the Commission, allowing the European Commission to proceed with borrowing to support Ukraine, while discussions on alternative options continue.
President Christodoulides also addressed the opt-out by Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic from providing specific guarantees for common borrowing. He emphasized that their funds would not be used as guarantees for lending to Ukraine, similar to previous arrangements concerning refugee funding for Lebanon and Jordan instead of Turkey.
He further clarified that the conclusions include safeguards on funding allocation. The legal texts will be prepared by the Committee of Permanent Representatives at Coreper level, ensuring defense and security issues of EU member states are addressed. This addition followed Cyprus' intervention to ensure such safeguards.
President Christodoulides noted the overwhelming acceptance by most member states of the measures. He clarified that discussions focused on potential purchases from the United States, not Turkey, with 70% of funding directed toward defense and security issues and 30% toward Ukraine's fiscal needs, safeguarding the EU regarding purchase origins. He stressed that the borrowing would not burden member states' public finances or debts.