Meeting of EU Heads of State or Government on Ukraine – 6 March in Brussels

Brussels, 5 March 2014 consilium.europa.eu

Following events in Ukraine, the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, has decided to convene an extraordinary meeting of EU Heads of State or Government this Thursday 6 March 2014 to discuss the situation in Ukraine and the EU's reaction.

At the Foreign Affairs Council on 3 March, the European Union strongly condemned the clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity by acts of aggression by the Russian armed forces and called on Russia to immediately withdraw its armed forces to the areas of their permanent stationing. The EU also called for a peaceful solution to this crisis and full respect of international law. It remains ready to engage in constructive dialogue with all parties to this end.

In response to events, the EU and those member states who are participants of G8 have decided for the time being to suspend their participation in activities associated with the preparations for the G8 Summit in Sochi in June.

On 5 March, the Commission proposed a series of measures, notably economic and financial support, as the European Union's contribution to an international effort to support Ukraine. At least € 11 billion could be available over the next years from the EU budget and EU-based international financial institutions. This is to stabilise the economic and financial situation, assist with the transition and encourage political and economic reform.

In addition, the Council has decided to introduce EU sanctions targeting the misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds. Asset freezes will apply for 18 persons responsible in this regard as of 6 March.

For full details of the EU positions on Ukraine, see Council conclusions

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For full details about EU aid to Ukraine, see press release and memo.

Indicative programme :

9.30 Arrival of Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk

11.30 Exchange of views with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk

13.15 Press conference by Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk

13.15 Working lunch among EU Heads of State or Government

15.00(tbc) Press conference by the European Council President and the Commission President

Full media programme