The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk met with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen
“The visit to Ukraine on the eve of the publication of the EU Enlargement Report is certainly an important signal of support for Ukraine,” the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine said during a conversation with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
He emphasised that Ukraine has implemented comprehensive and structural reforms in line with the seven recommendations of the European Commission.
“Ukraine remains committed to continuing these reforms,” said Ruslan Stefanchuk, noting that a positive report from the European Commission and an unconditional decision to start negotiations with Ukraine by the end of 2023 will be extremely important for Ukraine and Ukrainians.
In addition, during her visit to Ukraine, the President of the European Commission delivered a speech from the rostrum of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
In her speech, she said that the 12th package of sanctions against russia would be announced next week, which would include the listing of almost one hundred new individuals, new import and export bans, actions to increase the oil price cap and strict measures against companies that circumvent sanctions. At the same time, she added that work was continuing on the use of the proceeds of frozen russian sovereign assets: “This mechanism will support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction over the next four years.”
“You are fighting not only for your freedom, your democracy and your future, but also for ours,” Ursula von der Leyen said, noting that the people of Ukraine should not have to learn how to be Europeans because they are Europeans.
“We must not repeat the mistakes of 2014, and we continue to exert maximum pressure on russia until the aggression ends and Ukraine reestablishes a just and lasting peace,” the President of the European Commission said: “For too long, many in Europe have believed that we can trade with russia and integrate it into the European security order, but this has not worked and it will not work as long as russia is driven by its delusional dreams of empire.”
In conclusion, she expressed confidence that Ukraine will be able to achieve its ambitious goal of making the historic decision to start the accession process this year. “You have not asked for discounts or workarounds, instead you have shown what Ukrainian democracy is capable of. The scope and depth of the reforms you have gone through are impressive,” said Ursula von der Leyen, referring to the constitutional reform of the judiciary, the election of members of the High Council of Justice, the anti-corruption programme, progress in combating money laundering, important measures to limit the pressure of oligarchs on public life, the new Law on Media and progress in the area of national minorities: “We know it has not always been easy, but this is a normal path for any democracy.”
“Together we can win this battle, together we can complete our union, together we can bring Ukraine to our common European home,” the President of the European Commission stressed.