Strasbourg, 22 January 2025 (MIA) - We are fully committed to enlargement as the biggest geopolitical investment for peace and security, for our people and our continent, said the President of the European Council, António Costa, in his first speech in the European Parliament as council president on Wednesday.

“The six Western Balkans countries, Ukraine and Moldova are working hard to deliver on their commitments. There is no doubt that the future of these countries is in our Union. It is time for us to deliver on our promises as they deliver on theirs,” Costa said.

Speaking about the first European Council he chaired in December, Costa said it sent a clear message with the European Union reaffirming its support for Ukraine “as long as necessary and whatever it takes for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace”.

“We pledge to strengthen Ukraine’s position for every scenario. Peace must be the peace chosen by Ukraine and by the Ukrainians. For the sake of Ukraine’s security. For the sake of Europe’s security,” Costa said.

According to Costa, today’s multipolar world opens new opportunities for Europe. He stressed that the EU needs to strengthen its bilateral and multilateral relations with third countries, “based on common interests, mutual prosperity and shared priorities like climate action, sustainable development, or poverty and disease reduction”.

“The European Union is a pillar of the international rules-based order. Upholding the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of borders. Continuing to support an inclusive, multilateral system under the principles of the UN Charter and international law,” Costa said, adding that the EU remains committed to a comprehensive agenda to tackle climate change, inequality and reform global financial institutions.

In the speech, Costa also highlighted the EU’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, the Pact for the Future and the Paris Agreement.

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