The European Union reaffirmed today its support for Ukraine in the face of its invasion by Russia. Speaking at a debate at the European Parliament EU officials also confirmed that they had received Ukraine's request to become officially a candidate country to join the Union. However, they warned that if they were to welcome the initiative the process will still be long, and that first "we have to end this war, and should talk about the next steps." Still, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said EU nation states should be in no doubt "that the people that stand up so bravely for our European values belongs in our European family."
#Ukraine #Metsola #Brussels
Roberta Metsola, EP President, has decided, in coordination with the decision of the European Commission, to either fly the Ukraine flag or other visual signs of support for the Ukraine people. Views of the buildings of the EP in Brussels with the Ukrainian flags.
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“Our way of life is worth defending. It is worth a cost. For us, for the next generation, for all those in Ukraine and around the world who believe in Europe and our way. For all those who want to be free.” European Parliament President Roberta #Metsola addressed an extraordinary Plenary Session on the Russian aggression against #Ukraine.
Addressing the extraordinary Plenary Session of the #EuropeanParliament on “Russian aggression against Ukraine”, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola sets our four important principles for the future of the European Union. You can read President Metsola's full speech below.
We are here today in the dark shadow cast by Putin's war. A war we did not provoke. A war we did not start. An outrageous invasion of a sovereign, independent State.
On behalf of the European Parliament, I condemn the Russian military aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms and express my solidarity with all those suffering and all those killed.
The message from Europe is clear: We will stand up. We will not look away when those fighting in the streets for our values face down Putin’s massive war machine. We will support the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction and investigation of war crimes in Ukraine. We will hold him accountable...just as we hold Lukashenko.
We are facing an existential threat to the Europe we know, the Europe so many have given so much for.
This is why, on this important day, I am pleased to announce that President Zelenskyy will address us shortly followed by Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk - the chair of the Rada of Ukraine. And allow me a special welcome to the Ambassador of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people present in plenary today.
Mr President, thank you for showing the world what it means to stand up. Thank you for reminding us about the dangers of complacency.
Everyday acts of extraordinary heroism by Ukrainians inspire us all. Defence forces and citizens making the ultimate sacrifice to delay a column of tanks. Senior citizens standing up to face down Russian troops with nothing but pride and sunflowers as their weapon. Brave women forced to give birth in metro stations next to their Kalashnikovs.
They showed the world that our way of life is worth defending. It is worth a cost. All those who remember living under occupation will attest to that. All those standing up in Belarus. All those looking to us in Moldova - in Georgia.
It is worth it. For us, for the next generation, for all those in Ukraine and around the world who believe in Europe and in our way. For all those who want to be free.
Europe stands ready to go further still.
We recognise Ukraine’s European perspective. As our Resolution clearly states we welcome, Mr President, Ukraine’s application for candidate status and, we will work towards that goal. We must face the future together.
Mr President, we stand with you in your fight for survival, in this dark moment in our history. When you look to the European Parliament you will find an ally, a space to address Europe and the world, and always, always a friend.
The European Parliament has a long, proud, history of being a thorn in the side of autocrats and in that spirit, I will seek a ban on any representative of the Kremlin from entering European Parliament premises. Aggressors and warmongers have no place in the House of democracy.
