European Council meeting (19 December 2024) – Conclusions

Our first headline of the year concerns the Conclusions of the last European Council of 2024.  On Ukraine, the leaders called for stepping up of efforts, in particular on the delivery of air defence systems, ammunition and missiles, as well as, on the financial front, the steadfast implementation of the Ukraine Facility (see impressive figures under point 4 of the Conclusions). Leaders also strongly condemned support by third countries, which enable Russia to sustain its war. On Syria after the fall of Assad’s criminal regime, don’t miss Europe’s reaction on the historic opportunity to reunite and rebuild the country and the importance of an inclusive and Syrian-led political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people (point 15). Following the Niinisto report on preparedness, do not overlook the call, inter alia, for enhanced and coordinated military and civil preparedness (point 17). Last but not least, on the various facets of migration, see how the European Council welcomes the Commission’s intention to put forward a legislative proposal on returns in early 2025 (point 19).