29 October 2024, 08:00
The delegation of the Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the EU took part in the Conference of the Parliamentary Committees for European Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union and Committees on European Integration of Partner and Candidate Countries (COSAC) in Budapest. The Chair of the Committee, Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, addressed the session dedicated to the outcomes of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze stated that the prosperity and competitiveness that the European Union is concerned about cannot be achieved without ensuring security. “Security is only possible when Europe collectively supports Ukraine in its fight for independence and territorial integrity. Only a joint victory over Russia will allow us to prosper in the future,” stated the Chair of the Committee. She reiterated that Ukrainians, more than anyone, want peace on their land. “However, we, Ukrainians, insist — no peace initiatives without consulting us. Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine! All peace initiatives must be based on the UN Charter,” stressed Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze. She expressed hope that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán would adhere to this principle. She also hopes that during the remaining two months of the Hungarian Presidency in the Council of the EU, Ukraine’s access to assistance under the European Peace Facility will be restored. “This weapon is critically needed in Ukraine every day and every hour to secure our victory,” stated the Chairwoman of the Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the EU.
Regarding European integration, Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze emphasised that Ukraine and other candidate countries must not be held hostage to the internal reforms in the EU.
Countries that are doing their homework in the integration process must be sure that this process will be completed. The Chair of the Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the EU also stressed that candidate countries cannot under any circumstances be trapped by the misuse of the veto right by EU member states. “The interests of the entire Union should not be held hostage to the short-term interests of one person, one politician. If we fail to address this today, we will not be able to tackle security and other challenges tomorrow. And if you do not invest sufficient efforts to ensure security today, I fear, ladies and gentlemen, tomorrow you simply will not be able to invest in anything else,” Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze concluded.