EU access to Ukraine: declarations of unity, but no promises

In a special session, the EU Parliament will discuss possible access to Ukraine. President Zhelensky also delivered an emotional speech.

+++ 4:19 pm: The European Union is open to joining Russia-attacked Ukraine. However he acknowledged that their numbers were not enough to defeat EU’s President Ursula van der Leyen. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was live in front of parliamentarians and urgently called for his country to be allowed into the EU, initially receiving mainly expressions of solidarity – and additional financial obligations. The European Union wants to provide 500 million for humanitarian aid and refugee care.

In the wake of the fierce fighting with Russia on Monday (February 28, 2022), Zhelensky applied to the European Union for “immediate accession of Ukraine under a new special procedure.” During the special session the speakers praised their horror over the Russian attack and the opposition of the Ukrainian people. They made it clear that Ukraine belonged to Europe and that they did not want to be hanged. But currently joining a club of 27 states is generally more complicated and lengthy.

This was also pointed out by EU Council President Charles Michael. The issue of merger is difficult and there are differing views among member states, Michelle told parliament. “But the Council cannot abdicate its responsibility.” Michael Selenskij’s request was promised at least a serious study. One person will “work towards the goal,” said Roberta Metzola, a Member of Parliament. The first question is whether Ukraine can become a candidate for official entry.

EU access to Ukraine: Corruption is still considered a major problem

Corruption is seen as a major obstacle for Ukraine, which has had a joint agreement with the European Union since 2017. The EU court ruled in 2021 that “oligarchy and interest groups are undermining the rule of law in Ukraine.” Auditors described corruption as a major problem in Ukraine – despite EU support, for example in judicial reforms.

According to EU logic, all of this will be ignored and it is impossible to imagine that Ukraine will overtake other candidate countries. This was clarified by the Union Foreign Minister Annalena Pierbach. “Joining the EU is not something you can do in a few months,” the Green politician said Monday. At the same time, Namebach insisted: “Ukraine is part of the European house.” The statements of Van der Leyen and Michael moved into the area of ​​this conflict: they refer to close relationships, but without too many firm obligations.

EU Parliamentary Session: Putin to be sentenced as “war criminal”.

+++ 3.47 pm: Leaders of political groups in the European Parliament have condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine in various quarters. “We will not rest until Putin is convicted of war crimes,” said Irzze Garcia, chairman of the Social Democrats. EPP Parliamentary Committee Chairman Manfred Weber (CSU) said a new era had begun. While sustainable power is needed, it is important to preserve the European way of life. “You only pay the price when you lose your freedom,” Weber said.

Stéphane Séjourné of the Liberal Renewal Committee stressed that they were ready for the EU to withstand the negative impact of sanctions against Russia. The sacrifices of the Europeans would have made Europe the most independent continent in the world. In his speech, Ryszard Legutko, leader of the right-wing EKR group, criticized the German and French governments for treating Putin too kindly. “Your credibility as a leader is gone,” he said.

Van der Leyen offers Ukraine the opportunity to join the European Union: “Our European family”

+++ 3.15pm: EU Commission President Ursula van der Leyen has pushed Ukraine far ahead in its hopes of joining the EU. Van der Leyen said that in their last speech with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zhelensky he reiterated his people’s dream of joining the European Union. Already today Ukraine and the EU are closer than ever. “But it still has a long way to go.”

The war must end and the next steps must be discussed, said van der Leyen. “I hope no one in this room can doubt that the people who stand most courageously for our European values ​​belong to our European family.”

Independent Ukraine is currently going through its darkest times. “At the same time, the Ukrainian people are keeping the torch of freedom alive on behalf of all of us.” The Ukrainians saved their lives. “But they also fight for global values ​​and are willing to die for them.” Van der Leyen ended his speech with the words: “Long live Europe. Long live Ukraine free and independent.

Humanitarian aid to Ukraine: The European Union wants to add at least 500 million euros

+++ 2.30pm: EU Commission Chairman Ursula von der Leyen has pledged at least 500 million euros in humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Van der Leyen told a special session of the European Parliament that the money coming from the EU budget should be used for the country and for refugees. He called the war in Ukraine a “moment of truth for Europe.”

According to Van der Leyen, the EU will have to pay Ukraine an additional மில்லியன் 500 million, which it had previously promised. The so-called European peace facility is earmarked for the supply of arms, ammunition and fuel to Ukraine. This is a novelty in the EU.

Updated Wednesday, March 1, 2022, from 1:30 pm: Ukrainian President Zhelensky delivered an emotional speech at a special session of the European Parliament. Zelenskyj, linked via video link, among others, called on Europe to stand still: “Prove that you are truly European, and that life will conquer death.” He added: “We want our children to live. Look.”

EU Special Session: Will Ukraine Become a Member of the European Union?

First Report: Brussels – The European Parliament convenes on Tuesday (March 1, 2022) at 12 noon for a special session on the Ukraine conflict *. During the full discussion, the MEPs will discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine * and the actions of the European Union with Commission Chairman Ursula von der Leyen. EU foreign policy chief Joseph Borel and EU Council President Charles Michel will also attend the meeting in Brussels.

Members of Parliament will then vote on the general position on the war in Ukraine. Group leaders in the EU parliament last week condemned the Russian * invasion of Ukraine in “strong words” and described it as a “threat to European and regional stability”. Accordingly, the potential EU access to Ukraine should also be discussed.

Ukraine before joining the EU? You can register after the “special procedure”.

A parliamentary resolution available to the German Press Agency (DPA) called for EU companies to be granted EU access candidate status. In the meantime, according to the resolution, the work of integrating the Ukrainian market into the EU internal market must continue. According to the information, it is coordinated between groups other than the right-wing National Identity Committee.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zhelensky is also pushing for his country to join the European Union in the face of Russian aggression. “We return to the EU to allow Ukraine immediately under a new special procedure,” Zelenskyy said on Monday (February 28, 2022).

“When President Zelenskyj asks for EU membership, he is asking for peace, freedom and democracy for his country,” said Manfred Weber (CSU *), chairman of the EPP group in the European Parliament. Although membership is a long process, the signal is clear: “Ukraine belongs to the European Union.”

Ukraine: Michael Roth (SPD) lowers hopes of joining the early European Union

However, a European Commission spokesman dampened expectations of quick access. There is a negotiation process for joining the EU membership, the spokesman said. The final decision rests with the EU, not the Commission. Before countries can become EU members, they must convert applicable EU laws into national law and meet a number of conditions.

Michael Roth, chairman of the Foreign Council in Puntestock, is in principle in favor of Ukraine joining the European Union – but that will not happen soon. “This is a difficult and difficult path for all states,” SPD politician * Michael Roth told Welt Television on Monday. “Political prerequisites must be met, a stable democracy, a government governed by the rule of law, an independent judiciary, an effective fight against corruption, a functioning internal market – for many years.” He could not imagine that would be brief. Process.

The resolution also condemns Russia’s “unprovoked and unjustified” military occupation of Ukraine. Demands are being made for Russia to withdraw its troops immediately. Restrictions on imports of Russia’s major exports, including oil and gas, are also being demanded. (Nak with AFP / dpa)