Costa and von der Leyen tell MEPs EU sanctions on Russia “will stay until Russia stops the war”

European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reported to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday 21 October on the results of the October EU summit, in a plenary debate that covered the long-term budget, energy costs, Ukraine, Russia sanctions, migration and trade with China, according to the Parliament’s press service.

Costa told MEPs that the meeting of heads of state or government had been productive. In his words, “Europe is reinforcing its competitiveness, and it is united in defending its interests and values”. He called for faster action on the proposed EU Inc. business regime, lower energy costs, more affordable energy production and modernised electricity grids.

Budget, Ukraine and migration

On the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework, Costa said the EU was in a “decisive phase” and was determined to reach an agreement by the end of the year. He asked for an ambitious budget that matches the Union’s responsibilities while keeping national contributions at a reasonable level, and for progress on a package of own resources.

On Ukraine, Costa said EU support was stronger than ever and that the Union provides 80% of the external assistance Ukraine receives. He stressed that “Ukraine’s security and Europe’s security are inseparable”. On migration, he noted that flows have decreased and that the Pact on Migration and Asylum is now being fully implemented, while calling for stronger border controls, more effective returns and better preparation against the instrumentalisation of migration.

Von der Leyen on sanctions, energy and China

Von der Leyen urged member states to complete the single market and pointed to the EU Inc. regime, the public procurement act and simplification work. She warned that a rule agreed at European level “cannot become more complex and fragmented when transposed or implemented nationally”. She described the EU as too dependent on foreign fossil fuels and gas and said Europe was missing out by not having a true energy union.

On Russia, she said EU sanctions “will stay until Russia stops the war”, and recalled that it was Russia that cut off Europe’s gas supply and is using energy as a weapon. She said illegal border crossings had fallen by 56% over the last two years, and announced a new framework to give member states tools to react quickly to threats at the external borders, where migration is being weaponised.

On China, von der Leyen said Chinese companies receive up to eight times more subsidies than comparable firms in OECD countries and that European industry is paying the price. The Commission, she said, will work to reduce economic dependencies by addressing vulnerabilities, diversifying supply chains and limiting access to the single market when needed.

What MEPs said

According to the Parliament, MEPs warned that more cannot be done with less money in the next long-term budget and asked for financing to tackle the cost of living and high energy prices and to protect jobs. Several called for continued support for Ukraine, arguing that by protecting Ukraine Europeans protect themselves. Migration drew a split: some speakers wanted asylum rights guaranteed for those entitled to them, others focused on defending borders and citizens’ safety.

Parliament’s position on the Eastern Mediterranean was covered separately by Geopolitiki in Metsola on the Turkish–Libyan memorandum: “Greece and Cyprus can rely on our solidarity” – the European Parliament joins Costa and von der Leyen. On American support for Ukraine, see Rubio in Mumbai: U.S. aid and intelligence for Ukraine unchanged, interceptors are scarce worldwide.

Source: European Parliament press release, 21 October 2026.