Prime Minister to Meet with President Costa of the European Council on 23 August 2026

The Prime Minister recently engaged in discussions with Antonio Costa, the President of the European Council, during their train journey to Kyiv. This meeting coincided with the significant occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day, marking an important moment for both leaders to demonstrate their unity and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

Fostering Unity and Support for Ukraine

Dedicating time to reinforce their commitment to Ukraine, the Prime Minister and President Costa acknowledged the necessity of standing together in these challenging times. Their meeting symbolised not only a show of support for Ukraine but also a broader commitment to strengthening ties within Europe.

As they delved into discussions regarding the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union, both leaders emphasised the need for an ambitious approach to enhance collaboration. The Prime Minister articulated that the UK must adopt a bolder stance in fostering closer relations with the EU, recognising the value of mutual cooperation.

Enhancing Defence and Security Cooperation

In particular, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of building upon the existing close defence and security ties that have been established between the UK and its European allies. This foundation serves as a crucial platform for driving greater cooperation across all facets of the UK-EU relationship.

Looking ahead, the leaders concurred that the upcoming UK-EU summit later this year would provide a vital opportunity to advance their discussions and explore further avenues for collaboration. This summit is expected to be instrumental in shaping the future of UK-EU relations.

Anticipating Future Collaborations

As they prepared to participate in the Coalition of the Willing later that day, both the Prime Minister and President Costa expressed eagerness to meet again. Their shared vision for a cooperative and unified approach towards European security and support for Ukraine reflects a significant commitment to fostering a more integrated and resilient partnership in the region.