Wat is het geweldig om in Nederland te zijn!

In the new geopolitical reality, the EU needs the resources to be an anchor of security, autonomy and prosperity for our citizens. That is why we need a modernised budget, fit for the future.

We have a responsibility to uphold international law. The EU is fully committed to the independence of international justice. We urge the United States to use the coming months to engage in dialogue. We will continue support the ICC and to protect its members and staff.

EU-level action can contribute to a holistic approach in dealing with both of these issues.

Affordable housing is a pressing issue that impacts social cohesion, demographic sustainability and competitiveness across all Member States. When it comes to illicit drugs, cities face the local consequences of criminals that operate across borders.

A pleasure to meet with Femke Halsema, the Mayor of Amsterdam. I congratulated the Mayor on her election as Chair of the Pact of Free Cities, an alliance to support the democratic resilience of cities and share best practices on common urban challenges.

Her lifelong commitment to human rights, justice and international law reminds us that peace can only endure when dignity, accountability and the rule of law are upheld. The EU stands firmly for these values.

Heartfelt congratulations to judge Navanethem "Navi" Pillay on being awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. A truly deserved honour at a very timely moment, as international law faces mounting pressure.

The EU and ASEAN have long been reliable partners, and we are committed to further deepening our relationship as we approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Our shared ambition is to formally elevate the EU-ASEAN relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

It was a pleasure to meet with the ASEAN Brussels Committee today as part of preparations for next year’s EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit.

The EU will continue to stand by Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved. It is time for Russia to end its war.

Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukraine, including against civilian targets, as well as its hybrid attacks against EU countries, demonstrate once again its lack of genuine interest in peace negotiations.

We also discussed Moldova’s security situation. The EU stands united in its response to Russia’s increasingly reckless hybrid campaigns.

Good phone call earlier today with President Maia Sandu. Moldova’s EU membership remains our shared commitment. We look forward to opening two negotiating clusters next week, with all remaining clusters to follow by the end of the year.

Today we focused on the regional dimensions of energy, migration, connectivity, climate and the budget. The EU is committed to contributing to a safer, more sustainable and more resilient Mediterranean for the benefit of Europe as a whole.