By Martin Banks

European citizens are justifiably concerned about Russia’s increasingly provocative and reckless behaviour, says  EU council chief Antonio Costa.

He was speaking on Thursday at the opening of a key meeting of EU leaders in Copenhagen.

The event in the Danish city comes at a period of intense instability in Europe with rising tensions caused by recent drone-related incidents, including in Denmark itself.

Costa acknowledged this when he said,”When Denmark, Poland or Estonia act against incursions into their airspaces, they are protecting our common borders and territory, those of the European Union.”

He added, “They have our full support, because we are committed to face together common threats, on all fronts, whether conventional, hybrid or cyber, with a common purpose. In fact, that purpose has been clear since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine. And that purpose has a name: to build the Europe of defence.”

In the past three years, European allies, he noted have significantly increased their defence spending.

Earlier this year, they agreed to increase their spending targets even further.

“At the same time, it is clear that Europe’s borders will only be secure if all of Europe’s borders are secure, in a 360-degree approach,” he admitted.

Costa said, To build the Europe of defence we need efficient political oversight and coordination to keep track on how we are advancing. Our defence ministers need to play an increased role.”

On Ukraine, he said that since 24 February 2022, the European Union has “stood firmly by Ukraine’s side, and we are engaged on all fronts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”

A new sanctions package is on the table, targeting oil revenues, banks, crypto and the shadow fleet.

The EU is also paving the way for Ukraine’s membership of the European Union.

“Ukraine has been delivering on EU accession related reforms, and the Commission has recognised this. Now it is the EU’s turn to deliver,” he went on.

European leaders, on Thursday, had a first discussion on how to mobilise further funds for Ukraine.

“The message is clear: Russia has to understand that Ukraine’s partners, including its European partners, have the will and the means to continue supporting it until a just and lasting peace is achieved,” said, Costa.

In two weeks, the European Commission will present the roadmap on 2030 defence readiness and the European Council will meet again in three weeks.

“And that will be decision time,” says Costa.