European Council President Antonio Costa, delivering a message on the European Union's policy toward Ukraine, announced that pressure on Russia would be increased. Costa made the remarks at a joint press conference with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in Vienna.
Costa said the European Union's 27 countries should act together around common priorities. He thanked Stocker for his support for Ukraine and his goal of a fair and lasting peace.
We will continue supporting Ukraine while also increasing pressure on Russia.
Migration on the agenda for the October summit
The meeting also addressed preparations for the European Union leaders' summit planned for October. Costa said migration would be on the summit's agenda and that the issue concerned the whole of Europe.
Stating that Europe needed to respond to the migration issue collectively, Costa called for the matter to be examined in all its dimensions.
Support for candidate countries seeking EU membership
Costa described supporting Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkan countries on their path to European Union membership as an investment in Europe's security and prosperity. He noted that enlargement was proceeding on the basis of merit and commitment to the rule of law.
Costa said that if the candidate countries took the steps expected of them, the European Union would also fulfill its responsibilities, adding that progress would be made in the process. He also said they wanted to accelerate the enlargement process and that gradual integration into the European Union market was important to this goal.