Category: European Commission (video statements)

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Strengthening Partnership and Regional Stability: First-Ever EU-Armenia Summit

Source: European Commission (video statements)

"This first EU-Armenia Summit elevates our partnership to a new level and sets a clear direction and agenda for the coming years. At the heart of this work is our joint commitment to peace and stability in the region." – President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen

Together with the President of the European Council, António Costa, the President of the  European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, represented the EU at the first-ever EU-Armenia Summit in Yerevan on 4 and 5 May 2026.

In her speech, President von der Leyen highlighted the summit’s importance in strengthening ties and outlining key areas for deeper cooperation. On connectivity, the EU will support Armenia’s role as a regional transport hub through infrastructure projects, renewable energy expansion, and digital innovation. The Crossroads of Peace initiative could link Europe with Central Asia, while new transport and energy partnerships will boost trade and security.

President von der Leyen also stressed security cooperation, including EU assistance to Armenia’s armed forces and a new mission to combat hybrid threats and disinformation. Progress on visa liberalisation was noted, alongside stronger border management through Frontex collaboration.

Finally, she reaffirmed the EU’s economic support, helping Armenian businesses, skills development, and recovery efforts—including aid for those displaced from Karabakh. The summit, she concluded, marked a significant step in deepening the EU-Armenia partnership.

For the full transcript of the speech, see here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_26_989

Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission:
https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/media/video/I-288852

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcQRp9gCe5g

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90 billion Euro for Ukraine

Source: European Commission (video statements)

The EU promised to deliver on the 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine, for budgetary needs and defense. The promise has been kept, and 45 billion euro will be delivered this quarter. This act shows that the EU continues to stand with Ukraine and its people, while battling Russia’s war of aggression for 4 years now.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YQB3zEc0mWg

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Addressing the Middle East Crisis, Europe’s Energy Security, and €45 Billion for Ukraine

Source: European Commission (video statements)

"In just 60 days of conflict, our bill for fossil fuel imports has increased by over EUR 27 billion, without a single molecule of additional energy." – President von der Leyen

On 29 April 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen participated in the European Parliament plenary debate on the EU strategy in response to the ongoing Middle East crisis, its implications on energy prices and the availability of fertilizers.

In her speech, President von der Leyen announced that the EU would disburse the first €45 billion of its €90 billion loan to Ukraine—with two-thirds earmarked for defence, including a €6 billion drone package—while adopting a 20th sanctions package to hit Russia’s economy. Amid the Middle East crisis, she stressed the need for lasting peace and warned that soaring fossil fuel import costs (€27 billion in 60 days) demand faster electrification and energy independence, proposing targeted aid, EU-wide coordination, and an Electrification Action Plan. To fund future priorities like defence and competitiveness, she urged new EU revenue streams, arguing that without them, Europe risks less funding where it’s needed most—concluding with a call to "electrify Europe" and secure its sovereignty.

For the full transcript of the speech, see here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_26_923

Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission:
https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/media/video/I-288526

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Mw_R68kKhw

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Europe’s Energy Bill Soared by €25B: The Impact of the Middle East Conflict on the EU

Source: European Commission (video statements)

"Since the start of the Middle East conflict, our bill for fossil fuel imports increased by €25 billion." – President von der Leyen

On 24 April 2026, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen held a press conference together with António Costa, President of the European Council and Nikos Christodoulides, President of Cyprus.

In her statement, President von der Leyen warned that the Middle East conflict has cost the EU €25 billion extra in fossil fuel imports, pushing for faster adoption of renewables, nuclear power, and electrification to secure energy independence. She announced the signing of the "One Europe, One Market" roadmap, to complete the Single Market by 2027, simplifying trade rules and boosting digital/AI growth, while stressing that the next EU budget must raise new revenues to fund defence, tech, and green transitions without cutting key programmes. Finally, she urged clearer EU defence cooperation, including a mutual defence mechanism and hybrid threat responses, to strengthen collective security.

For the full transcript of the statement, see here:
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_26_882

Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission:
https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/media/video/I-288330

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqhj96t6_zU