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The March 20, 2025, European Council summit was a watershed moment for the European Union, as migration took center stage alongside the ongoing war in Ukraine. While the summit was originally intended to focus on economic competitiveness, the escalating migration crisis and the geopolitical ramifications of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine reshaped the agenda. EU leaders emerged with a dual focus: tightening migration policies and reaffirming unwavering support for Ukraine. This dual approach reflects the EU’s broader strategy to address internal and external challenges in a rapidly changing global landscape. Migration dominated the discussions, with EU leaders pushing for stricter controls and faster implementation of migration-related legislation. The summit marked a significant shift towards tougher migration policies, driven by rising public concern and the political influence of right-leaning governments across Europe. Belgium, under Prime Minister Bart De Wever, joined a coalition of 12 countries, including Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, and Hungary, advocating for stricter asylum and deportation measures. This informal group, led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, called for accelerated returns and expanded lists of “safe countries” to streamline deportations. The European Parliament’s recent approval of a contentious migration pact provided the legal foundation for these discussions. The pact, comprising 10 laws, strengthens the EU’s control over migrant arrivals and aims to harmonize asylum procedures across member states. Ministers emphasized the need for comprehensive partnerships with third countries to manage migration flows effectively, while also calling for the swift implementation of the Commission’s proposal on returns. The review of the safe third country concept (STC) was another key focus, with leaders urging its alignment with international law. Efforts to combat human trafficking, smuggling, and the instrumentalization of migrants were also highlighted. Ministers stressed the importance of visa alignment with neighboring countries and the promotion of safe and legal migration pathways, albeit within the framework of national competencies. This balanced approach seeks to address the root causes of irregular migration while ensuring respect for human rights. While migration took precedence, the war in Ukraine remained a critical issue on the summit’s agenda. EU leaders, with the exception of Hungary, reaffirmed their commitment to providing comprehensive support to Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s continued refusal to endorse EU conclusions on Ukraine led to the adoption of a separate statement by the remaining 26 member states. This statement emphasized the EU’s readiness to contribute to security guarantees for Ukraine and called on Russia to demonstrate genuine willingness to end the war through humanitarian efforts, such as prisoner exchanges and the return of forcibly displaced Ukrainian children. The summit also addressed the recent suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, a decision that has heightened the EU’s responsibility to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities. EU leaders pledged to accelerate the delivery of military assistance, including artillery ammunition, missiles, and air defense systems. The European Commission was tasked with frontloading financing from the Ukraine Facility and the G7 ERA initiative, which repurposes profits from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. Additionally, leaders welcomed the resumption of U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine and called for increased efforts to address Ukraine’s most pressing military needs. The EU’s “peace through strength” approach was reiterated, underscoring the belief that a robust Ukrainian military is essential for deterring Russian aggression. Leaders also discussed the possibility of European contributions to future peacekeeping missions, though no concrete decisions were made. The summit’s conclusions highlighted the importance of Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, with the Ukraine Recovery Conference in July 2025 identified as a key milestone. The dual focus on migration and Ukraine reflects the interconnected nature of the EU’s internal and external challenges. The war in Ukraine has exacerbated migration pressures, with millions of Ukrainians seeking refuge in EU member states. The extension of the temporary protection scheme until March 2025 underscores the EU’s commitment to providing immediate and collective protection to displaced persons. At the same time, leaders emphasized the need to strengthen the EU’s defense industry, not only to support Ukraine but also to enhance the bloc’s own security and resilience. The summit also addressed the global food crisis, which has been exacerbated by Russia’s weaponization of food supplies. EU leaders reiterated their support for the United Nations Black Sea Grain Initiative and called for its extension beyond its current expiration date in November 2025. This initiative is critical for stabilizing global food prices and ensuring food security, particularly in regions heavily dependent on Ukrainian exports. The March 2025 European Council summit marked a turning point in the EU’s approach to migration and its response to the war in Ukraine. By adopting tougher migration policies and reaffirming its commitment to Ukraine, the EU demonstrated its ability to address complex and interrelated challenges. However, the road ahead remains fraught with difficulties. The implementation of the migration pact, the acceleration of military aid to Ukraine, and the resolution of the global food crisis will require sustained effort and coordination among member states. As European Council President António Costa noted, the summit’s outcomes reflect a clear focus on “prosperity, security, and fairness.” The EU’s ability to balance these priorities will be critical in shaping its future and maintaining its position as a global leader. The decisions made at this summit set the stage for a more resilient and united Europe, but their success will depend on the bloc’s ability to translate words into action.

Written by: Nenad Stekić