Press statement by António COSTA, President of the European Council
This transcript was automatically generated and may contain errors.
Today we are celebrating Europe Day, the day when we celebrate at the same time the diversity of our peoples, our nations, our cultures,
our member states, but at the same time our common will to build together a stronger Europe to promote peace,
prosperity, freedom and democracy.
And that's why today is the day that all the institutions open their doors to the citizens,
because Europe is.
Most of all, about citizens and what we do to give more opportunities for all of them to be happy in the,
in the, our union.
About peace and coming back to this negotiation this possible peace negotiation with Russia.
What actually is your idea and what is the mood within member states about this?
Is there is an appetite, keeping in mind that Russians already said that they are not going to initiate it.
Our main goal since day one is to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
That's the reason because we are supporting Ukraine, that's the reason because we are putting sanctions on Russia,
and it's the same reason that we are able to enter in all peace negotiations to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
We are talking with our Ukrainian friends to support them and of course we need in the right moment to have talks with Russia to address our common issues on security. And we don't want to disturb.
The initiative led by President Trump, then we are waiting.
But at the same time we are ready to do what we need to do,
of course, because we need also to address the issue relating to the security of Europe.
Do you think it's necessary to have a new sanctions package as quick as possible? We will not speculate. We have already approved one.
What we wish is that the ongoing process is successful.
And we achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Our goal is not to put chances.
Our goal is not to continue to defy.
Our goal is to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, respect that Ukrainian sovereignty, Ukrainian territorial integrity,
the internationally recognised borders, because this is very important not only for Ukraine,
but also for our own security.
And for the global security because these values are the very universal values enshrined in the United Nations Charter and we need to uphold international law to strengthen the multilateral system if you want a future of peace. This is the first day of Peter Mayen. Europe without Orbán is stronger for you.
And what kind of message is the presence of Robert Fico in Moscow today?
I wish all the best to Péter Magyar and to Hungary.
A new chapter in the Hungarian history and we are ready to work with the new Hungarian government.
Europe is built on the respect of the sovereignty.
And on the diversity of peoples, nations, and member states, and we respect the free choice of our citizens.
Sometimes they choose one leader, other times they choose other leaders,
and this is the great power of democracy to give the power to the citizens to choose their own government.
Thank you very much and enjoy this Europe Day. Bye bye.
But at the same time our common will and coming back to peace negotiation of Russians already said that they are not going to initiate it.
Our main goal since day is really because we are putting sanctions on Russia,
our common issues on security, and we have a new sanctions package as quick as possible.
No, we're not speculate. We have already approved one.