Today we are not just waiting for the start of negotiations on EU membership, but are actively working to deepen Ukraine's integration into the EU
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk met with a delegation of representatives of the European Peopleэs Party Group of the European Parliament headed by the President of the European People's Party (EPP), Member of the European Parliament from Germany Manfred Weber.
Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked his European colleagues for the EPP’s consistent position in supporting Ukraine during the full-scale war unleashed by Russia on our land.
“Thanks to your leadership and the leadership of the EPP, the issue of Ukraine is constantly on the agenda of the European Parliament. And this is a great value for us. You were the first to speak about the need for Ukraine to obtain EU candidate status. And today we are proud that the EU flag stands next to the Ukrainian flag in our Parliament,” said Ruslan Stefanchuk. He also emphasized the importance of the EPP’s consistent position on the issue of starting negotiations on Ukraine's full membership in the EU.
The Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament emphasized the powerful and unwavering position of the European Parliament as the main legislative institution of the EU, as since the beginning of the full-scale aggression, the EP has adopted 15 resolutions in support of Ukraine. In particular, he thanked his fellow MEPs for the recently adopted resolution on the anniversary of the russian invasion of Ukraine. According to him, the priorities set out in the document “are a real bonus of support for Ukraine.”
The parties also focused on Ukraine’s European integration, the start of membership negotiations and future cooperation between the EU and Ukraine. In particular, Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized that Ukraine is determined to show maximum results in the implementation of the 7 recommendations for the interim (oral) assessment of the European Commission in the spring.
“We are not just waiting for negotiations on further full membership in the EU, we are ready to implement all the necessary reforms for this and are actively working to deepen Ukraine’s integration into the EU,” he emphasized.
In addition, the participants discussed a number of important issues to strengthen interparliamentary cooperation and support for Ukraine in the war against the russian invader, such as financial and humanitarian support; strengthening of sanctions against the aggressor country, especially in terms of their bypassing through third countries; complete ban on russian propaganda media; ban on issuing visas to russian citizens; reparations at the expense of the aggressor country and confiscation of property in favor of Ukraine to compensate for the damage caused; reforms on Ukraine's path to NATO and the EU; rebuilding and reconstruction of Ukraine after the war with the involvement of representatives of the European business community.
The parties paid special attention to various aspects of international assistance, especially military aid. Ruslan Stefanchuk urged his European colleagues to use all their authority to strengthen and speed up the supply of weapons, the urgency of which is the number one issue for Ukraine today.
The Chairman of the Parliament of Ukraine also welcomed the vote on January 9, 2023, on the European Parliament's resolution to establish a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
“Such decisions are the basis for building an international coalition. The war will not be over unless, in addition to victory on the battlefield, we have a joint victory in international courts, where putin and the criminal regime of the russian federation must receive fair sentences. We must do everything to ensure that respect for international law is preserved. Because this is the future of our civilization,” Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized.
At the end of the meeting, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine called on his European colleagues to continue and strengthen their strong support for Ukraine as a future winner and member of the European family.
“The Parliament is always open to our friends. And this war has shown who is a true friend. That is why we are together and we will definitely win!” emphasized Ruslan Stefanchuk.
On behalf of his colleagues, Manfred Weber, the President of the European People’s Party, expressed his admiration for Ukraine and pride in the Ukrainian people.
“With our visit we demonstrate our unconditional support for Ukraine. Ukrainians are very courageous and unsurpassed, and supporting you is our principled position as MEPs,” Weber emphasized.
He also assured his Ukrainian counterpart that European parliamentarians would continue to work on strengthening sanctions against the aggressor country and take all necessary steps to bring Ukraine’s victory in this unprovoked war closer.
“The situation in Ukraine will always be important to us, so Europe must be united, strong and active in your support. Europeans are very close to Ukrainians and stand in solidarity with you in your struggle. And I hope for our joint future success in the family of European nations,” the President of the European People’s Party emphasized during the meeting.