This week we have an important European Council meeting, with a broad agenda. We will be discussing Ukraine and the need to keep the country afloat, not only militarily, but also in economic and social terms. That support will remain necessary in all scenarios: whether Russian aggression continues or a lasting peace agreement is reached. It is therefore crucial that we agree on how the EU is going to finance this. Our preference is for recovery loans backed by frozen Russian assets. This will ensure that Russia ultimately pays and that the risks and burdens are shared fairly among the member states. One way or another, we must find a solution. The need is great and this situation calls for exceptional measures. Keeping Ukraine afloat militarily and financially is also in the interests of European security. Other topics we will be discussing include the European multiannual budget, migration, boosting Europe’s economic security and resilience, and EU enlargement.(Dick Schoof)