Brussels – The final European Council meeting of 2024, and the first under António Costa‘s leadership, brought together the Heads of State and Government from the 27 EU Member States to review the European Union’s political priorities ahead of what is expected to be another challenging year. Discussions centred on a range of urgent issues, including the EU’s role in the world and the future of its enlargement, with a particular focus on countries facing significant pressure: Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia.
“There is a need for a global engagement by the EU, as we are witnessing a multipolar world,” President Costa remarked at the conclusion of the meeting on 19 December. The political discussions among the 27 EU leaders featured a significant guest: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “Europe and America must be at the table when the time comes” for peace negotiations, President Zelensky urged his European partners. He emphasised that “the EU, like Ukraine, must enter talks from a position of strength,” adding that “only coordinated efforts can bring lasting peace—not a pause Putin would exploit to buy time.”
The conclusions on Ukraine
More than 1000 days since the beginning of Russia’s invasion, the European Council reaffirmed its commitment to a “comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, in line with the key principles and objectives of Ukraine’s Peace Formula,” according to its conclusions. Emphasising that “no initiative regarding Ukraine should be taken without Ukraine,” the 27 Member States pledged to “maintain their intensive global outreach efforts and actively participate in discussions affecting Europe’s security.”
“We support peace, but not just any peace,” President Costa stated firmly, underscoring that only Kyiv “can define what ‘peace’ means, and it is our duty to help them approach the negotiating table from a position of strength.” He also reiterated the EU’s “commitment” to aiding repair, recovery, and reconstruction efforts, noting that “the Ukraine Recovery Conference hosted by Italy in July 2025 will be important in that context.”
As the EU continues to work “closely” with Kyiv to support reform efforts on its European integration path—potentially opening “the first negotiating cluster in early 2025, with more to follow throughout the year,” as President Ursula von der Leyen announced—the delivery of military aid remains a priority. The 27 EU leaders called for an “urgent stepping up of efforts,” particularly in providing “air defence systems, ammunition, and missiles.” Meanwhile, the adoption of the 15th package of restrictive measures against Russia—”including measures targeting the ‘shadow fleet'”—could soon be followed by “further sanctions.”
The conclusions on Georgia
One of the most pressing issues at the end of 2024 is the political and social crisis in Georgia. The European Council has reiterated its “serious concerns” over the actions of the Georgian government, “which runs counter to the values and principles upon which the European Union is founded.” This is particularly in reference to the government’s “decision to suspend the country’s EU accession process until 2028.”
Since 28 November, thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest this decision and oppose the “regime” of Georgian Dream. In response, the authorities have employed brutal violence, prompting the 27 EU leaders to “strongly” condemn “the violence against peaceful protesters, politicians, and media representatives.” They called on the government and police forces to “respect the right to freedom of assembly and expression,” while emphasising that “those responsible must be held accountable.”
The European Union remains “ready to support the Georgian people’s European aspirations,” as demonstrated by the overwhelming majority of the population. However, the country’s path towards accession can only resume if Georgian authorities “reverse their current course of action.”
EUCO conclusions on Moldova
The 27 EU leaders also welcomed the “successful conduct” of Moldova’s presidential elections and the referendum on enshrining EU accession in the Constitution, held on 20 October. These achievements were noted “despite hybrid activities by Russia to undermine the country’s democratic institutions.” The “commitment” of Moldovan citizens has accelerated Chișinău’s European integration, with the aim of opening the first EU accession negotiation cluster in the first half of 2025.
While continuing to work “closely” with Chișinău to enhance the country’s “resilience and stability” and support its reform efforts on the European path—including through the implementation of the Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova—the European Council called on the Commission to “look urgently into further ways to provide assistance” to the candidate country in strengthening its energy security.
