DUBLIN, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Thursday that the European Union (EU) is preparing its 22nd sanctions package against Russia and a proposal to address Ukraine's financial needs in 2027.
Speaking to reporters at the beginning the European Political Community (EPC) summit in the Irish capital of Dublin, von der Leyen said both proposals would be presented before the next European Council meeting.
"We will come with the sanctions package and the proposal for the financial needs before the next European Council," she said.
Von der Leyen also welcomed the recent peace talks in Abu Dhabi and stressed the importance of European representation in negotiations to safeguard the bloc's interests.
"We will support Ukraine, be it in wartime or be it in peacetime," she added.
The EPC summit, held on Thursday at the Convention Centre Dublin, brings together around 50 leaders from across Europe to discuss security and other strategic challenges. It will be followed by an informal meeting of EU leaders on Friday at the same venue. ■