Informal meeting of EU leaders kicks off in Prague Fri

That’s according to Ukrinform.

The 27 heads of state and government will discuss the three most pressing and intertwined issues, including the Russian war in Ukraine, energy, and the economic situation, according to European Council President Charles Michel.

“The war in Ukraine continues to rage. Regrettably the Kremlin has taken irresponsible escalatory steps: it has organised a national mobilisation campaign, sham coercive ‘referenda’ and the illegal annexation of Ukraine’s territories, and it pursues its threatening rhetoric,” Michel wrote in an invitation letter to the leaders.

In light of these developments, the EU must stand united and firm in its response, the top official stressed.

“Our solidarity with Ukraine and its people remains unwavering. We will continue to strengthen our restrictive measures to further increase pressure on Russia to end its war. At our meeting we will discuss how to continue providing strong economic, military, political and financial support to Ukraine for as long as it takes,” wrote Michel.

The meeting will also examine how best to protect EU’s critical infrastructure.

The war in Ukraine is having a dramatic impact on the energy situation in Europe, with a spillover effect on economy, the official admitted.

The leaders will examine how best to tackle these challenges for our economy overall.

“Addressing high prices for households and businesses, supporting growth and jobs and protecting the vulnerable who suffer the most from high energy bills are our prime concern. More than ever, the key will be our ability to stand united and coordinate our policy response, in a spirit of solidarity and in defence of our common interests,” the letter concludes.

Earlier, EU leaders together with those of 17 non-EU European states took part in the inaugural meeting of the European Political Community. Only two countries of the continent – Russia and Belarus – were not invited to the event.