Debate: Conclusions of the European Council meeting of - June
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: Maroš Šefčovič
Language: EN

To start with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, all three countries are an undeniable part of our European family and I am delighted that this was recognised by the leaders, who unanimously welcomed the Commission’s opinion and made the historic decision to grant candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova and a European perspective to Georgia. These opinions were based on three sets of criteria: political, economic and the ability to assume the obligations of EU membership. The decision taken by the European Council underlines to the world our unity and strength, especially in view of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. One of the underlying reasons for the Kremlin launching its unjustified invasion was Ukraine’s desire to join the European Union. By answering this desire directly, our response has been loud and clear. The European Council’s endorsement of candidate status acknowledges the immense progress that Kyiv has achieved since the Maidan protests of 2014. But now the hard work really begins, with the need for Ukraine to consolidate the reforms it has achieved and move forward with determination. In the meantime, the EU again reiterated its full support for Ukraine in all dimensions as it courageously defends itself against Russian imperialism. Over the coming weeks, we will work on further military support for Ukraine as well as the new micro—financial assistance package. We will also soon table a full reconstruction package to rebuild Ukraine once it has won the war. To return to enlargement, Moldova is on a genuine pro—reform, anti—corruption and European path for the first time since independence. It too still has a long way to go, with major improvements needed to its economy and public administration. But provided it stays the course, there is no doubt that Moldova has the potential to meet the requirements of EU membership. This is why it has been granted candidate status, on the understanding it continues along this path. Georgia shares the same aspiration and potential as Ukraine and Moldova. Its application has strengths, particularly with regard to the market orientation of its economy. But to succeed in its application, Georgia needs to come together politically to set a clear path towards the necessary reforms, working with civil society. This is why Georgia has been granted a European perspective with a view to giving it candidate status once these reforms are achieved. It is also important that the EU gives new impetus to the enlargement process in the Western Balkans. The unblocking of this process for North Macedonia and Albania is particularly welcome in this regard, and I would like to thank the President of the European Council and the French Presidency for all their efforts in this regard. There has been a great deal of thought given to how we can best support Bosnia and Herzegovina on its European path. As requested by the European Council, the Commission will now report on the country’s implementation of the 14 priorities. Again, we will look to grant Bosnia and Herzegovina candidate status once the most substantial reforms have been implemented. On the Conference on the Future of Europe – an issue that I know is important to this Parliament, just as it is important to the Commission and to me personally – it remains crucial that the ideas and the initiatives that emerged from the process and which we received from our citizens are properly acted upon. To that end, the leaders tasked the institutions with ensuring the proposals set out in the report on the outcome of the conference are followed up effectively, and I look forward to working with you on this important venture. It is critical not only that the recommendations of the citizens are taken on board, but that the Europeans everywhere are kept properly informed of the progress made. Finally, with the war in Ukraine continuing to have an impact on Europe’s economy, not least on food and energy prices, we need to continue doing everything we can to shield the most vulnerable from the worst effects. And we need to be prepared for conditions to deteriorate, including possible further disruption of Russian gas deliveries. This means doubling down on our efforts to diversify supplies, including through ensuring that Member States’ national emergency plans are adequate for any challenges ahead. It was agreed at the European Council to work on an EU emergency reduction plan with industry, to coordinate these national plans. The Commission will continue its efforts to ensure a united and cooperative approach to energy in Europe to make sure that the solidarity principle is fully implemented. On the financial side, even as deficits and debts have soared after COVID, there is still a need for massive investment to build a greener and more digital future. So we will design rules reconciling these higher investment requirements with the need to safeguard sound fiscal finances. Last but not least, Croatia has worked hard to meet all the requirements for taking the momentous step of adopting the euro, and we look forward to welcoming it into the eurozone on 1 January 2023. So, Mr President, honourable Members of the European Parliament, there are a lot of very important, crucial topics which I’m sure we’ll have a chance to discuss now together in the plenary debate.