The visit of the President of the European Commission to Ukraine on Europe Day is a great support on the way of Ukraine’s return to the European home
On Europe Day, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk met with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who is on a visit to Kyiv today.
He thanked the great friend of Ukraine, Mrs. President, for not the first, but the same sincere and open visit.
During the meeting, the parties discussed a number of issues that are important for Ukraine’s progress towards the European Union.
In particular, they discussed Ukraine’s implementation of the European Commission’s recommendations necessary for further progress towards EU membership. Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized that despite the war, Ukraine “is doing everything to fulfil all the requirements as quickly as possible, and most importantly, honestly.”
“We expect to start negotiations on joining the EU this year. This is our common goal. And thanks to you, we will find the right approach that will allow Ukraine to receive high appreciation from the European institutions for our aspirations to join the EU,” Ruslan Stefanchuk said.
In addition, the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament thanked the EU member states for their defence assistance and emphasized that “to accelerate our victory, we need more heavy armoured vehicles, air defence systems and ammunition.”
The parties also touched upon the issue of establishing justice in this war, namely, bringing russia to justice, establishing a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and strengthening sanctions against the aggressor. The Chairman of the Parliament of Ukraine emphasized that for Ukraine to win, “it is important that Russia has no way to circumvent the restrictions.”
Ruslan Stefanchuk also drew attention to Ukraine’s peace initiative – the President Volodymyr Zelenskyi’s peace formula, which, according to him, is a formula for a just peace.
“This initiative is based on justice. Justice for us is a victory on the battlefield, a victory in the legal institutions to find russia guilty of all crimes, and a victory in the reconstruction of Ukraine!” the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament emphasized.
In conclusion, Ruslan Stefanchuk noted that the visit of the President of the European Commission to Ukraine on Europe Day is not just “a manifestation of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, it is a great support for Ukraine on its way back to the European home.”
The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen also noted that it was very important for her to be in Ukraine on this day.
“Ukraine is now confronting a terrible, horrific, brutal war and russian aggression. And how bravely the Ukrainian people are fighting, how brave and courageous the Ukrainian army is, how you are defending your independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty has a huge impact on all of us,” the President emphasized.
She also emphasized that Ukraine has “restored the very idea of Europe”. After all, Europeans have realized that this war is about defending and fighting for their principles and the rule of law.
Ursula von der Leyen assured her Ukrainian counterpart that the EU has supported, is supporting and will continue to support Ukraine in this unequal but courageous struggle, in particular by increasing sanctions pressure against the aggressor country, deepening military support, which is critically needed by Ukraine today; supporting the initiative to establish a special tribunal and implementing President Zelenskyi’s peace formula at the level of EU member states as a possible vision of future peace; and participating in the reconstruction of post-war Ukraine.
She also emphasized that the European Commission is looking forward to Ukraine’s implementation of all the recommendations necessary to start negotiations on full EU membership.
“Our common goal is to receive a positive report on the assessment of Ukraine’s progress in implementing the seven defined steps in June, and to prepare a written positive opinion in October. The Ukrainian Parliament plays a critical role in this work. I am personally deeply impressed by the work you have done this year,” the President of the European Commission emphasized.