Debate: Preparation of the EU-Ukraine Summit
Date: THURSDAY, 2 FEBRUARY 2023
Speaker: Pål  Jonson
Language: EN

The EU will use this occasion to reiterate our message loud and clear: the EU is strongly condemning Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine and it will continue supporting Ukraine as long as it takes – politically, financially, militarily and with humanitarian aid. In response to Russia’s aggression and with the support of this Parliament, the EU has so far mobilised over EUR 37 billion, including EUR 18 billion on macro—financial support packages for 2023. The estimated total amount of EU and Member State military support is above EUR 12 billion. This brings the overall support of the EU and its Member States to Ukraine close to EUR 50 billion. In addition, the EU has offered assistance to the millions of Ukrainians who have fled the war. Our combined pressure on Russia and other responsible actors through nine packages of sanctions is also unprecedented, cutting off Russia from the technology and revenues it needs to continue its war of aggression. We will continue working on the restrictive measures and their full implementation. Honourable Members, EU—Ukraine bilateral relations are stronger than ever. Ukraine has obtained the status of EU candidate country. Tomorrow the EU leaders will reiterate our support and encouragement to Ukraine’s reform efforts, which are particularly impressive considering these difficult times, and we will commit to further deepening our relationship, including through the new priority action plan for the DCFTA 2023-2024, easing Ukraine’s access to our internal market. At tomorrow’s summit, the EU will reconfirm its support to Ukraine’s swift relief and reconstruction, from everything from demining to health and rehabilitation. The EU will reiterate our support for President Zelenskyy’s initiative for just peace and underline the EU’s commitment to working with Ukraine to mobilise broad international support. It is important to underline Ukraine’s genuine stance for peace – Russia has not displayed such a willingness. On the contrary, Russia continues intensifying its brutal war of aggression with global consequences, including when it comes to food security. Honourable Members, allow me to praise once again the active and swift support of this Parliament for the EU’s macro—financial assistance to Ukraine. Ukraine now has a predictable financing schedule for this year. Ukraine receives the first tranche of EUR 3 billion when no other international funds for 2023 had yet reached the country. We also welcome this Parliament’s strong political stance expressed in various resolutions in support of Ukraine and condemning Russia’s blatant violation of the international order. Let me be clear: those responsible for war crimes and the other most serious crimes will be held accountable. We will continue supporting the investigations by the International Criminal Court. There can be no impunity of the crimes committed under Russian occupation. We will also need to work to ensure accountability for the crime of aggression. Tomorrow’s summit will once again demonstrate that the EU will continue supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes. Thank you very much for your attention.