Ukrainian MPs, led by Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, met with the
President of the European Council Charles Michel.
Charles Michel visited Borodyanka in Kyiv region, which was destroyed by
Russian occupiers. He said he dreamed of seeing Borodyanka as a rebuilt
and prosperous European city in a year. The President of the European
Council informed that the European Union plans to cover a large part of
the costs for the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. An international
donors' conference will be held in early May. Its participants will
announce the launch of the Ukraine Solidarity Trust Fund. This fund will
allocate resources for rebuilding Ukraine.
The Chair of the Committee is convinced that after the victory Ukraine
will become a model of European values with the respect for human rights
and freedoms, with the rule of law, with the opportunity to build the
country according to its democratic vision. Because Ukraine is currently
fighting for the opportunity to have freedom of choice.
Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze is convinced that the European Union can do a
lot for Ukraine's victory, in particular, by giving up Russian fuel. The
Chair of the Committee welcomes the announced intentions of the European
Council to end the EU's dependence on Russian fossil fuels. But, in her
opinion, it would be good to see the decision on the embargo on Russian
oil already in the 6th package of the sanctions, which is currently being
discussed in the EU, and then clear measures to give up Russian gas.
Charles Michel mentioned that the European Union had allocated an
unprecedented amount of 1.5 billion Euro for Ukraine's military support
through the European Peace Fund. The Chair of the Committee noted that
this decision could be the first in a series of such decisions. They are
extremely necessary, because Russia's resources for the war in Ukraine are
huge.
During his visit, Charles Michel said that by the end of June the European
Commission will give its opinion on Ukraine's ability to become a
candidate for EU membership. The European Council will then be able to
launch a debate on this issue.
Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze is convinced that Ukraine must now focus on
active work with the European Commission and with the EU member states to
obtain positive decisions on the path to Ukraine's membership in the
European Union.