Ahead of tomorrow’s extraordinary meeting of the European Council in Brussels, the Leaders of five political groups in the European Parliament reiterate their call for financing of aid to Ukraine. In their joint statement, Manfred Weber, Chair EPP Group; Iratxe García Pérez, Chair S&D Group; Valérie Hayer, Chair Renew Europe Group; Terry Reintke and Philippe Lamberts, Co-Chairs Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance; and Ryszard Antoni Legutko and Nicola Procaccini, Co-Chairs ECR Group, call on Heads of State and Government to urgently agree on the economic and financial support proposed under the Ukraine Facility. Please see the full statement below.
“Ukraine has been bravely defending its people and its territory against Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war of aggression ever since 24 February 2022. This crime of aggression, that started ten years ago, is a brutal attack against the peaceful life of our Ukrainian neighbours and a grave violation of international law. Furthermore, it threatens the security and stability, democracy and prosperity of the entire European continent. The EU has rightfully assured Ukraine its full and unwavering support for its legitimate right to self-defence under article 51 of the UN Charter, continues to work on ensuring effective and sustainable long-term military support to Ukraine and decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine. Tomorrow’s extraordinary meeting of the EU Heads of State and Government is a crucial opportunity to translate declarations into deeds.
The European Parliament has expressed its firm solidarity with the people of Ukraine in countless resolutions. EU support has also translated into the delivery of over 80 billion EUR of humanitarian and emergency assistance, budget support, macro-financial assistance and military aid.
Almost two years after the start of Russia’s war of aggression, Ukrainians have experienced destruction, loss of life and homes, as well as human suffering, to an unbearable extent. Nevertheless, Ukrainians continue to show remarkable courage and resilience in fighting for their right to freedom and personal safety, and for respect of their fundamental freedoms and democratic and human rights. Therefore, our resolve to contribute to maintaining the Ukrainian people’s faith in a better European future for their country must be equally strong and unwavering.
Russia shows no signs of stopping its war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, the EU must show no signs of stopping its support to Ukraine. Those who doubt our resolve and undermine our unity must be proven wrong.
We, the Presidents of the main political groups in the European Parliament, are united in urging all the EU Heads of State or Government who convene for tomorrow’s extraordinary European Council meeting to take the decisions that are required to face the extraordinary challenges put before Ukraine. We urge the European Council and the Member States to live up to their promises, ensure effective and sustainable long-term military support to Ukraine and to step up the efforts to deliver the ammunition and military support that the Ukrainian defence forces so urgently need. We expect the European Council to agree on the economic and financial support proposed under the Ukraine Facility that will help Ukraine maintain essential services to its citizens, such as schools, hospitals and social security, and will support the country’s economic and social recovery and reconstruction. Further delays or annual vetoes are not an option.
The European Union was born out of the lessons learnt from the devastation caused by World War II. Against the devastation caused by Russia in Ukraine, the EU must again prove today its solidarity and capacity to act.”
