Petr Fiala after the extraordinary European Council meeting: The agreement on the EU budget contains all the important priorities for the Czech Republ

EU leaders approved an increase in funding to fight illegal migration, new investment in defence and EUR 50 billion for Ukraine over the next four years. The presidents and prime ministers of the EU countries agreed unanimously. They returned to the debate on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 after the negotiations were suspended at the December meeting. The leaders agreed on a limited and targeted revision of the budget, which will increase by EUR 21 billion overall.

“Today's agreement is a great success and proof that we can reach an agreement. The EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework has been approved and contains all the priorities important for the Czech Republic. Further financial support to aid Ukraine has also been approved,” the Prime Minister said.

The budget revision will not restrict the priority areas for the Czech Republic, such as cohesion policy, common agricultural policy and migration. Migration-related programmes, on the other hand, will increase by EUR 2 billion. It also includes support for Member States hosting large numbers of refugees from Ukraine, which is the case for the Czech Republic as well. These are specific extra funds that the Czech Republic will also be able to draw on.

“Projects to support the fight against illegal migration in third countries as well as cooperation with the Western Balkan countries are being significantly strengthened - by a total of EUR 7.6 billion. The increase in joint investments in defence by EUR 1.5 billion is also positive,” added Petr Fiala.

The long-term financial aid to Kyiv consists of EUR 33 billion in loans and EUR 17 billion in grants. The aid should go towards ensuring the basic functions of the state. The EC conclusions foresee that the money for Ukraine will be discussed annually, but without the possibility that Hungary, which blocked the negotiations in December, could veto the aid. At the same time, after two years, the European Council may invite the Commission to review the functioning of the instrument in support of Ukraine.

“Under the conditions of Russia’s war of aggression, the Ukrainian state would soon cease to function without our financial support. This would have immeasurable consequences for our security, but also for the migration situation,” said Prime Minister Fiala.

The leaders also agreed on further ammunition supplies to Ukraine. In its conclusions, the European Council also supported the continuation of military support through the European Peace Facility, which the Czech Republic also draws on to cover part of the military supplies to Ukraine.

The European Council also discussed the conditions of European farmers and the situation in the Middle East.