Ukraine Recovery Must Be Matched by Justice, Says EU Council Chief

Peace, defense, reconstruction, and EU accession are the four main pillars for Ukraine’s future development.

This was stated by President of the European Council António Costa during his speech at the plenary session of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.

“I would like to focus on the four pillars that must shape Ukraine’s path forward: peace, defense, reconstruction, and accession to the European Union,” said Costa.

He specifically commended the Ukrainian leadership for calling for an unconditional ceasefire and for mobilizing all diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace.

“Unfortunately, Russia has responded only with more strikes, more suffering, more unjustifiable deaths. This must stop. From the very first day, the European Union has stood and will continue to stand firmly by your side to ensure a just and lasting peace. We are doing this by increasing pressure on Russia through sanctions, by strengthening Ukraine’s defense, and by employing every diplomatic tool at our disposal to restore peace in Europe,” Costa stated.

He emphasized that Ukraine's defense is not only about military strength, but also about sovereignty and the foundations of economic recovery.

“Ukraine’s defense sector is helping to stimulate local production, create jobs, and drive innovation, strengthening the country’s economy and increasing resilience. As Ukraine rebuilds, integrating these technological advances will boost national development and help embed it into broader European industrial and defense value chains,” said the European Council President.

He added that he would continue to encourage EU member states to increase investments in Ukraine’s defense sector, particularly through the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) initiative, which offers concrete tools for such efforts.

Costa stressed that rebuilding Ukraine will require large-scale and long-term international efforts, matching the extent of the destruction and the urgency of the moment.

“Russia must be held accountable for the devastation it has caused. The aggressor must bear responsibility for rebuilding what it sought to destroy,” he emphasized.

On Ukraine’s path toward EU membership, Costa said that enlargement is “the European Union most important strategic geopolitical investment in peace, security, and prosperity.”

At the same time, for Ukraine, accession means “a commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, good governance, and a peaceful and stable future.”

Costa recalled that at the last EU summit, leaders recognized “the remarkable progress Ukraine has made on reforms, even under the most difficult circumstances.”

“The Commission’s assessment is clear: Ukraine has fulfilled all the necessary steps to open the first cluster of accession negotiations. Negotiations must now move forward… with the next steps guided by merit, momentum, and mutual commitments,” Costa concluded.

As reported, the 4th Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025) opened today in the Italian capital.