European Council, vetoes loan to Kiev. Calls for 'moratorium on attacks on energy and water in the Middle East'

"Based on the lessons learned from the 2015 migration crisis and in order to avoid a similar situation, the EU stands ready to fully mobilise its diplomatic, legal, operational and financial instruments to prevent uncontrolled migration flows to the EU and preserve security in Europe. The security and control of the EU's external borders will continue to be strengthened'. This is according to a paragraph in the Middle East chapter approved by EU leaders and part of the summit conclusions. The chapter was not included in the drafts prior to today's meeting.

"The European Council takes note of Cyprus' intention to engage in a dialogue with the United Kingdom regarding the British bases in Cyprus and stands ready to provide the necessary assistance." This is stated in the conclusions of the European Council on the Middle East. "The European Union firmly and unequivocally supports the Member States' neighbours in the region" of the Middle East and "welcomes the support provided by Member States in this regard, in particular through the deployment of military resources in the Eastern Mediterranean and in support of Cyprus," it reads.

The European Council, in its approved conclusions on the Middle East, "calls for a moratorium on attacks targeting energy and water infrastructure". The passage was not present in the pre-summit drafts, thus aligning with the seven countries' joint communiqué on freedom of navigation in Hormuz.

The debate on competitiveness at the European Council meeting is over. The next item on the agenda, which will take place over dinner, is the summit between the leaders of the eurozone countries.

Negotiators in Kiev will meet US mediators in the United States on Saturday in an attempt to revive talks on the Russian invasion, which have been interrupted due to the conflict in the Middle East. This was announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "The Ukrainian team, in particular the political component of the negotiating group, is already on its way and we plan a meeting in the United States this Saturday," Zelensky said in the usual evening speech circulated on social media. "There has been a pause in the negotiations, it is time to conclude it," he concluded.

At the ongoing European Council in Brussels, after the discussion on the Middle East, the leaders are now engaged in a discussion on the issue of competitiveness.

"The prime ministers and heads of state of the EU member states dealt exclusively with the blocked EUR 90 billion loan for Ukraine and the interruption of oil supplies to Slovakia and Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline. No progress was made in either case. The loan for Ukraine remains blocked and no date has been set for the resumption of Russian oil supplies through this pipeline'. This was stated by Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico, in a video posted on social media on the sidelines of the ongoing European Council in Brussels, reporting that he "refused, on behalf of Slovakia, to fully endorse the conclusions of today's summit in support of Ukraine"."I raised the question of whether we, in the EU, are so weak, or whether this is a deliberate attempt to permanently cut off Russian oil supplies to Slovakia and Hungary. I also expressed the opinion that, by continuously delaying the resumption of Russian oil supplies, President Zelensky is illegitimately interfering in the election campaign in Hungary with the aim of overthrowing the current Hungarian government," the pro-Russian leader stressed. "As already in my phone call with the President of the European Council, António Costa, before the summit, I also confirmed today Slovakia's readiness to take further measures against Ukraine if its political leadership continues to deliberately cause economic damage to Slovakia. As is well known, we have already taken a retaliatory measure by cutting off emergency electricity supplies to that country," Fico remarked.

The EU leaders discussed with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres the latest developments in the Middle East, in particular exploring possible ways to improve the dramatic situation in the region, especially with regard to Lebanon, Gaza and Iran.

This was the message conveyed by the UN Secretary General at his working lunch with EU leaders at the European Council, according to an EU official.

"Russia must clearly realise and fully understand that Ukraine will become part of Europe and that this process cannot be stopped. That is why we are implementing internal reforms and working externally to set a precise date for Ukraine's accession to the EU. If there is a precise date, it will mean that Russia will not be able to block our accession in any way'.

Volodymyr Zelensky said this while addressing the leaders gathered at the European Council. "You see how several things are being blocked and how difficult it is for a united Europe to implement even decisions that have already been taken," he said referring to the 90 billion loan. "The 20th sanctions package against Russia is stalled: it could have continued to put pressure on Russia to move towards real peace," he recalled. "This must not happen with the opening of the clusters for Ukraine or with our membership: it is a question of trust, security and the future," he concluded.

"We appreciate the European support in protecting Ukraine from Russian attacks - especially in the area of air defence and drone production," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking by video link to the European Council today in Brussels.

"We should continue to use every opportunity to procure missiles for the Patriot systems. That is why the Purl programme is useful. I thank all those who contribute to it," the Ukrainian leader noted.

Further reading

Zelensky: 'Kiev will receive and test a new air defence system from Paris'

15 March 2026

During the European Council - reportedly - there was a long debate (90 minutes) between the leaders on Hungary's blocking of the 90 billion loan for Ukraine. Viktor Orban took the floor 'briefly', in which he reiterated his position, which he considers 'legally sound'. President Antonio Costa judged his behaviour as 'unacceptable' - supported in this by 'most' leaders - and 'contrary' to the principle of loyal cooperation under the treaties. Orban, and Slovakian Robert Fico, however, gave 'no hint of openness'.

According to EU sources, Costa also called Volodymyr Zelensky's statements against the Hungarian prime minister 'inappropriate'. 'This escalation is of no interest to anyone,' noted the President of the European Council. On the Druzhba pipeline, the Ukrainian head of state, speaking via video link, pledged to 'fully restore the flow of oil as soon as possible and to fully respect Ukraine's role as a reliable energy partner of the EU'.

The Emissions Trading System (ETS) mechanism should be "preserved", but "flexibilities" should be introduced to allow EU member states to deal with the current "crisis" situation. This was said by French President Emmanuel Macron in response to requests from Italia and nine other member states in Brussels today before the European Council. "I believe that the so-called Ets mechanism, in particular Ets 1," he said, "is a good mechanism, because it allows us to make the transition while preserving competitiveness, thus reconciling our objectives of competitiveness and climate. Therefore, it must be preserved'. However, he added, 'in the current context we have to find flexibilities, which allow us, in the international environment we know, to respond to the crisis. But we must maintain the structure, the philosophy, the approach and not lose sight of what is also important for Europeans,' he concluded.

Il presidente francese Emmanuel Macron parla con i giornalisti al suo arrivo al vertice dell'UE presso la sede del Consiglio europeo a Bruxelles, giovedì 19 marzo 2026. (AP Photo/Omar Havana)

Between 2026 and 2027, the European Commission will allocate EUR 330 million to the Euratom nuclear research and training programme, which will contribute to the future fusion strategy and the development of small modular reactors. This was announced by the European executive, explaining that some EUR 222 million will be dedicated to bringing fusion technologies from the laboratories to the grid. Brussels aims to include the creation of a new European public-private fusion partnership, support for emerging fusion start-ups through the instruments of the European Innovation Council, and investment in fundamental research and specialised talent. The remaining EUR 108 million will support innovation and safety in nuclear fission, including research into the long-term operation of existing nuclear power plants, advanced reactors, nuclear fuels, radiation protection and safe management of radioactive waste.

"Since the beginning of the attacks on Greenland, the European Parliament's negotiations on tariffs have been going on: this morning's vote in the International Trade Committee paved the way for the vote in plenary, which will take place next week". This was said by the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, at a press conference at the European Council and commenting on the vote on the EU-US tariffs agreement. "We have confidence in the transatlantic relationship to provide stability for businesses," Metsola went on to emphasise.

"The most effective way" to end the crisis triggered by the war in Iran "is a de-escalation of this conflict". This was stated by Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin as he entered the European Council meeting. "I think the Iranians have a responsibility. Their reckless and irresponsible attacks on the Gulf are totally unacceptable. And they threaten the citizens of the EU with these attacks," he says, before pointing out that "in all conflict situations, all actors have a role in enabling a de-escalation and an end to the conflict. And I think this is something everyone needs to focus on'. Europe has 'channels' and 'will be ready to play a constructive role in trying to resolve outstanding issues', he adds.

"I don't think we should adapt to those who do not want to comply with what was agreed by all leaders in the European Council". This was stated by Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina as she entered the ongoing European Council in Brussels, where leaders will discuss the Hungarian veto on the disbursement of the EUR 90 billion loan they had agreed on at the December summit. We are all waiting' for the Hungarian elections in April, he adds later, 'and now Viktor Orban's campaign is against Europe, against Ukraine, and I don't know how it will go on. But I don't think he can break the promise he made to all of us. So I look forward to the fulfilment of what we decided in December'.

The issue, Silina stresses, is to avoid benefiting Russia, which is benefiting from the current geopolitical situation and the non-imposition of new EU sanctions. "This does not help Europe at all because then we could become more dependent on Russia, on Russian gas, on Russian oil," warns the Latvian premier, stressing that a "very serious" discussion on energy prices is ongoing. "I understand that the situation with the Druzhba pipeline will be on the agenda, but I don't think there is only one way to solve it," she adds, referring to the pipeline carrying Russian oil to Europe and which Hungary insists Ukraine must repair. "For many years Latvia also experienced how Russia tried to threaten us or promote cheaper gas, but we disconnected from the Russian umbilical cord already in 2022. It was difficult but we did it and now, also with the help of Europe, we are also free from Russian energy networks. So it is feasible. It just requires really brave political decisions and hard work, together with all European leaders, not to be dependent on Russia. So I am not considering going back to work with Russia. We really need more self-sufficiency in Europe,' Silina concludes.

The European Council is underway in Brussels. After the usual exchange of views with the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, the first item on the agenda is the war in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky takes part in the proceedings via video link.

To be resolved is the issue of the 90 billion loan to Kiev, blocked by Hungary, according to which Ukraine is deliberately obstructing the flow of oil through the Druzhba pipeline. 'We want to receive the oil that Ukraine is blocking. We will not support any decision in favour of Ukraine as long as Hungary does not receive the oil that belongs to it,' Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban reiterated this morning when he arrived at the European Council.

Estonia wants Russian soldiers 'to be banned from Europe forever, which means we should change the visa rules, the Schengen rules, so that we do not have Russian fighters and anyone who assisted Russia in occupying or fighting against Ukraine in Europe'. This was stated by Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal when entering the European Council, stressing that at the moment Moscow "has more men under arms than at the beginning of the war, and everyone in Europe can imagine what would happen, for example, if the war stopped now: it would mean that those fighters, people with criminal records and experience in killing, would be on the streets or on holiday in Europe, and we don't want that".

According to the minister, it is necessary 'to intervene on the price of gas, because even this morning in Amsterdam we rose to very high levels' and 'this is not good. We have to try to find a ceiling from Europe'. During the EPP pre-summit, he continued, 'we spoke at length about the Ets issue. I reiterated what the Italian position is, also in the face of the strong demands coming from the production world, to intervene quickly, including during today's European Council'. On the Ets, he recalled, there is 'a position shared by many countries,' including 'Poland, which has made a clear intervention. We are asking for an intervention of suspension, at least for the aspects concerning electricity'. In addition, there is 'a pressing request also from the agricultural world, for fertilisers'. For the minister, 'the freeze on fertilisers risks causing enormous damage to the agricultural world', as well as 'possible famine in the poorest countries. I think it is right to intervene,' he concluded.

'We really have to take a big step forward now'. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this on his arrival at the European Council in Brussels, pointing to the need to strengthen the European economy in an increasingly complex global context as a priority. "It is about asserting Europe in a world that is proving increasingly difficult and making sure that we can keep up," he explained, stressing that the challenges concern both "our defence capability" and "our energy supply". "And all this is only possible with a strong economy," Merz added, reiterating the need to boost growth and competitiveness. "We must be able to make the European economy strong, return to growth and also exploit the potential for innovation that exists in Europe." The chancellor also referred to the topic of regulatory simplification: 'This also concerns European bureaucracy', noting that the Commission 'is ready to harness this momentum together with us', which is why he said he was 'very grateful' for the discussion on these issues at the Council.