António Costa says that European defense will be discussed by the leaders of the European Union before the NATO summit.

The President of the European Council, António Costa, stated that European defense is a priority for the European Union and that EU leaders will assess the progress made at the European Council meeting next week. The statement was made after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the permanent representatives of the Alliance, ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara.

In short

António Costa met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the permanent representatives of the Alliance.

The discussion took place ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara.

Costa said that European defense is a priority for the European Union.

EU leaders will assess progress in the field of defense at the next European Council meeting.

Costa stated that a stronger European Union means a stronger NATO.

Costa placed the meeting in the context of cooperation between the European Union and NATO, at a time when European defense is on the agenda of EU leaders. He said that European leaders will take stock of the progress made at the European Council meeting next week.

"European defense is a priority for the European Union, and leaders will assess the progress made at the European Council next week," Costa conveyed.

The message from the President of the European Council links the strengthening of European defense capabilities to the relationship with NATO. Costa stated that the two directions should not be viewed separately, but as complementary elements of European security.

"A stronger European Union means a stronger NATO. And a stronger NATO remains indispensable for the security of Europe," Costa said.

He added that the European Union and NATO must continue cooperation in the face of common threats and challenges. "We must continue to work hand in hand to respond to our common threats and challenges," the President of the European Council conveyed.

The statement comes ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara and ahead of a European Council meeting where EU leaders are set to discuss the progress made in the field of European defense.

https://2eu.brussels/ro/stiri/antonio-costa-spune-ca-apararea-europeana-va-fi-discutata-de-liderii-uniunii-europene-inaintea-summitului-nato