Summit: Russia will be held accountable, says the draft conclusions

Russia is carrying out attacks against the civilian population and civilian structures, including hospitals, medical facilities, schools and shelters, according to the draft conclusions of the upcoming Summit, as broadcast by EURACTIV Greece.

“These crimes must stop immediately. Those responsible and their accomplices will be held accountable,” the statement said, adding that Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine “grossly violates international law and causes massive loss of life and civilian injuries.”

The leaders are also expected to demand that Russia “immediately suspend its military operations on Ukrainian territory, withdraw immediately and unconditionally all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine, and fully respect its territorial integrity, the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders “.

Extensive reference is made to the refugee wave and the need for financial support from the first host countries, while Member States are called upon to develop contingency plans to address medium- and long-term needs.

The leaders are also expected to adopt the new EU defense strategy, the “Strategic Compass”, agreed yesterday by the European Ministries of Foreign Affairs.

With regard to the financing of increased defense spending, the text states that the full potential of the European Union’s financial instruments and initiatives should be fully exploited, in particular the European Defense and Permanent Structural Cooperation Fund, the Capacity Development Plan and the Coordinated Annual defense sector.

“In addition, by the end of 2022, measures should be taken to promote and facilitate the access of the defense industry to private financing, also making the best possible use of the opportunities offered by the European Investment Bank.”