EU summit prioritises low‑emission shift and boosts defence plans
The primary response to reducing energy prices involves a greater shift towards low-emission energy, namely nuclear and renewable sources, stated European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen after the summit in Brussels. She emphasised that prices are influenced by fossil fuels that the EU imports.
One of the main topics of the summit was improving the competitiveness of the European economy.
Von der Leyen, reflecting on the summit, mentioned that three central topics were addressed: energy, the simplification of regulations, and the creation of a savings and investment union.
She stated she believed it was a very engaging discussion, as it became evident, when examining energy prices, that the key to reducing them is a more substantial transition to low-emission energy, such as nuclear and renewable sources, since the fossil fuels we import are the major drivers of price increases.
The European Commission maintains "technological neutrality" in its energy policy, which allows each EU country to decide its energy sources. Nuclear energy remains contentious due to a pronounced divide among EU countries; the chief proponents, led by France, contrast with the opponents led by Germany.
In the "Clean Industrial Plan," a new EC strategy for developing European industry, which von der Leyen shared with leaders on Thursday, there is a proposal to support constructing small modular reactors, known as SMRs.
Europe will arm itself significantly
European Union leaders also discussed defence at the summit on Thursday evening. They urged the swift implementation of a plan to re-arm the Community over the next five years. The starting point for the discussion was the so-called white paper on defence, which the European Commission presented on Wednesday, detailing the plan for Europe's re-armament proposed at the previous EU summit on 6 March by von der Leyen.
One of its pillars is loans of up to 150 billion euros, which member countries and Ukraine (as well as, for example, Switzerland and Norway) will be able to apply for. Another aspect of the plan is the initiation of the so-called escape clause, enabling member states to increase defence expenditure without triggering the excessive deficit procedure from Brussels.
Von der Leyen explained during a post-summit conference that the union's aim is to spend more collectively, spend more effectively, and spend in a distinctly European manner.
She highlighted that Ukraine and its defence industry will be able to partake in joint orders through the loan programme. She added that the EU will also allow partner countries to join. Von der Leyen stressed that ultimately, EU will unleash the power of the EU budget, permitting those who voluntarily wish to make their cohesion funds more adaptable for defence investments.
Hungarian veto on aid for Ukraine
The conclusions adopted included a statement that a stronger European Union in the realms of security and defence will contribute to boosting global and transatlantic security and will complement NATO, which remains the foundation of collective defence for its member countries.
On Thursday, for the second time at the EU summit, the provisions concerning support for Ukraine were adopted not unanimously, but by 26 leaders. Hungary vetoed this issue. The conclusions referenced the initiative for further military support for Ukraine.
European Council President Antonio Costa was questioned about Budapest's opposition at a joint conference with von der Leyen. He responded that Hungary has a different perspective than the other 26 countries regarding how to support Ukraine in achieving peace. Costa also added that EU must respect these differences, but cannot be obstructed because Hungary's view diverges from the rest. He added that countries must continue to move forward, believing that it is exactly what they are doing.
