Outcome of the special European Council meeting of 9 February 2023

The symbolic attendance of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, at the special European Council meeting, and his poignant address to EU leaders, meant that the meeting focused more on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine than initially envisaged. EU leaders discussed with the Ukrainian President his 10-point peace plan, a possible new sanctions package, additional military, financial and humanitarian support, and the road towards opening Ukraine's EU accession negotiations. The other points on the agenda were the EU's economic competitiveness, and migration. On the first point, EU leaders agreed to targeted and temporary support for strategic sectors for the green transition, and to a redeployment of existing EU funding towards sustainable technologies. They also stressed the importance of a strong trade policy in boosting EU competitiveness. On migration, while condemning attempts to instrumentalise migrants for political purposes, EU leaders agreed on immediate measures to reduce pressure at the EU's external borders, notably through enhanced cooperation with third countries on returns and readmissions. Following the deadly earthquake on 6 February, EU leaders expressed their condolences to the people of Turkey and Syria, and declared the EU's readiness to provide further assistance. They also called urgently for progress to be made on the Belgrade–Pristina Dialogue.