Members of the Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the European Union met with a delegation of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs headed by Christophe de Nijs, Director General for European Affairs and Coordination.

The parties discussed support for Ukraine, the domestic political situation, and the implementation of reforms in Ukraine.

Chair of the Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the EU, Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, noted that it is very important that Belgian colleagues personally visit Ukraine and engage in dialogue with parliamentarians. She thanked Belgium for its comprehensive support for Ukraine. “It is extremely important for us to know that we are not alone in our struggle and that we are supported by countries that share the values we have been fighting for since 2014,” she said. 

Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze emphasized that Russia’s war against Ukraine is not about land or territories. Through this war, the aggressor is attempting to undermine the global order and erase Ukraine from the world map. The Chair of the Committee recalled that Russia is already waging a hybrid war on the territory of the EU as well, seeking to destabilize it from within. She urged not to underestimate hybrid methods of warfare, as their consequences are destructive and dangerous. “We have a common task, regardless of how close or far we are from Russia’s borders. Russia is waging war against all of us, and we are on the frontline of this struggle, where the situation is very difficult,” the Chair said. She noted that the situation is extremely challenging not only at the front line but also in the economy. Ukraine depends on financial assistance from its partners, which is aimed at the survival of the state. Moreover, Russia has changed its tactics, increasingly attacking large enterprises that have no connection to the military sector but generate revenues for the state budget. Russia also continues to strike critical infrastructure, destroying it on an ever-greater scale. “This is a tactic of eliminating Ukraine’s population, as Russia is trying in this way to trigger another wave of migration from Ukraine,” the Chair stated.

Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze called on Belgium to work together with other states to ensure that Russia literally pays for its crimes by finding legal mechanisms to channel frozen Russian assets to the benefit of Ukraine. In this way, Ukraine would have a sustainable source of funding for the coming years.

First Deputy Chair of the Committee Vadym Halaichuk also urged Belgium to work toward finding mechanisms as soon as possible to use Russian funds for the benefit of Ukraine. Vadym Halaichuk stressed that it is important not to send a message to autocratic regimes that, despite starting a war, their money remains safe thanks to the system. “Therefore, the message to these regimes should be this: you are safe if you behave like a normal country. If not, this safety is not for you,” Vadym Halaichuk emphasized.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed Ukraine’s political situation, including a corruption scandal. The Chair of the Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the EU is convinced that investigations and subsequent appropriate actions by law enforcement agencies to hold those responsible accountable are necessary. “I am glad that with the support of civil society and our European partners, we were able to reverse the situation with attacks on anti-corruption institutions in July. And now the institutions we managed to protect are delivering results,” Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze said. She also noted that the resignation of the entire government, whose reputation has been tarnished by the corruption scandal, is needed, along with the formation of a government of national unity in its place. First Deputy Chair of the Committee Vadym Halaichuk remarked that the creation of a government of national unity is currently unrealistic, and that the resignation of the government would be unproductive for Ukraine’s interests.

Belgian representatives noted that on the path toward EU membership it is crucial for Ukraine to demonstrate that it adheres to reforms and continues to implement them.