Strasbourg – The plenary session of the European Parliament assessed the October EU summit results. European Council President António Costa, who participated in the event, said that “Europe is reinforcing its competitiveness, and it is united in defending its interests and values.” To strengthen the EU’s competitiveness he called for action to accelerate the EU Inc. business regime, reduce energy costs, boost affordable energy production and modernise electricity grids.
On the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework (MFF), Costa said “we are now in a decisive phase, and we are determined to reach an agreement by end of the year. We need an ambitious budget that matches our responsibilities while keeping national contributions at a reasonable level.” The next MFF is not only about numbers, he added, “it is a political choice about the Europe we want to build.” He also stressed the need to make progress on an “ambitious package on own resources.”
On Ukraine, Costa reaffirmed that EU support is stronger than ever, with the Union providing 80% of the external assistance received by Ukraine. He stressed that “Ukraine’s security and Europe’s security are inseparable.”
On migration, he noted that migration flows have decreased and that the Pact on Migration and Asylum is now being fully implemented. Nevertheless, he called for stronger border controls, more effective returns and greater preparedness to address the instrumentalisation of migration.
