The European Parliament (EP) on Tuesday stressed the need for Ukraine to make progress in the process of joining the European Union (EU) and the commitment of the 27 countries to support the country in defending against the Russian invasion.
The Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, met with the chairmen of the EP groups on Tuesday.
Together they paid “unwavering solidarity and tribute to the courageous people of Ukraine, the laureates of the 2022 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Expression, who courageously defend the country’s independence and territorial integrity, while defending its freedom.”
“The EU remains committed to supporting Ukraine in overcoming Russia’s war of aggression” defend it in a joint statement.
At the same time, the EP supports Ukraine’s European aspirations and the leaders of political groups have expressed their full support for the Ukrainian parliament and the country’s institutions on the path to accession to the European Union: “The leaders of political groups reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine’s accession to the EU, which represents a geostrategic investment in a united and strong Europe.”
Media attention is currently focused on the worsening tensions in the Middle East, in particular the attack by the Islamist movement Hamas on Israel, the largest attack on Jews since World War II, and the Israeli response, which has seen unprecedented humanitarian brought about catastrophe in the Middle East. Strip of Gaza, the result of systematic bombing for almost two months.
However, The EP, like the European Commission and the Atlantic Alliance, wants to demonstrate that Ukraine “will remain the priority,” the statement said.
The European Commission recommended to the Council at the beginning of this month that it should proceed with formal accession negotiations, given Kiev’s efforts to meet the demands, while imposing conditions such as the fight against corruption.
The decision now lies with the EU Council, in the General Affairs Group, and should be taken on December 12, but final approval will be given by the Heads of Government and the State of the Union.who will meet a few days later, on December 14 and 15, at a European summit in Brussels.
Ukraine was granted candidate country status in mid-2022.
The European Council will also discuss in December the revision of the EU’s long-term budget, which provides for a financial reserve of €50 billion to support Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The aim is for such a mechanism to be adopted for Kiev in the context of the mid-term review of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2024-2027, but at a time when the EU has already provided €16.5 billion in macro-financial assistance for Ukraine, a plan B to strengthen this last programme.
NATO is confident that the US will continue to support the country
NATO’s Secretary General expressed confidence in the United States of America’s (US) continued support for Ukraine, emphasizing that the other members of the Alliance must do the same.
“I am confident that the US will continue to support her [a Ucrânia]“It is in their interest to do that,” reflected Jens Stoltenberg, as he arrived at the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Brussels for a meeting of foreign ministers of the Atlantic Alliance, with Ukraine as first. the main topic of conversation.
At the same time, the organization’s Secretary General called for a permanent effort by member states to support Ukraine, at a time when the media are clearly affected by the war and, for example, in the European Union, more and more dissonant voices are heard. such as Hungary, which threatened to block aid to the country that was invaded by Russia at the end of February 2022.
Stoltenberg added that “the extension” of the ceasefire, for another two days, between the Islamist movement Hamas and the Israeli army is welcome, to allow the release of more kidnapped people and the sending of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. population in the Gaza Strip. , private sector for almost two months of access to essential needs.
“This will provide very important assistance to the people of Gaza as well as the release of more hostages,” NATO Secretary General said.
Jens Stoltenberg had called on Monday for an extension of the ceasefire that came into effect last Friday.
Source: DN
