Copenhagen (EFE).- Leaders from 47 European countries voiced strong unity with Ukraine on Thursday, branding Moscow a “common enemy” during a summit in Copenhagen, even as Hungary continued to block Kyiv’s bid to join the European Union.
The Community of Political Europe, a forum of EU members plus countries like the UK and Western Balkan states, gathered to discuss issues ranging from Russia’s “hybrid war” and European rearmament to climate risks and drug trafficking.
The Danish hosts placed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the center of the meeting.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen appeared alongside him at the closing press conference, surrounded by sunflower-themed decorations, Ukraine’s national symbol.
“Every euro, dollar, or Danish crown sent to Ukraine is a direct investment in Europe’s security,” Frederiksen said.
Zelenskyy welcomed pledges of continued military and financial support, as leaders from France and the UK stressed the need to bolster Kyiv’s defenses.
Ukraine as Europe’s first line of defense
European leaders hailed Ukraine as the EU’s “first line of defense” against Russia and drew inspiration from Kyiv’s battlefield innovations, especially in drone technology.
The European Commission has proposed a joint “anti-drone wall” to counter increasing Russian drone incursions.
Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian drone experts are already cooperating with Denmark on developing this system after the Nordic country suffered several drone intrusions in recent months.
“We must make Europe so secure that war against us is not an option,” Frederiksen said, underscoring Denmark’s commitment to strengthening joint defenses.
Still, divisions emerged over the European Commission’s plan to finance a 140 billion euros “reconstruction loan” for Ukraine using profits from frozen Russian assets.
Belgium, home to Euroclear, which holds most of the frozen 200 billion euros, expressed legal concerns.
Hungary stands apart
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán again broke ranks, rejecting Brussels’ asset plan and reaffirming his opposition to opening EU accession talks with Ukraine.
“Hungary will never participate in any initiative to take money that is not ours,” Orbán declared, boasting that he had blocked a proposal to bypass his veto.
Orbán remains Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest ally inside the EU.
His stance contrasted with comments from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, who reiterated that EU leaders “continue to work with Ukraine on its future as a member state.” EFE
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