The European Parliament supports Kiev
The European Parliament supports Ukraine's candidacy to the EU and firmly condemns the Russian invasion
Eugen Coroianu, 02.03.2022, 13:50
Gathered for an extraordinary plenary session on the situation in Ukraine on Tuesday, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the EU institutions to act and grant the country the status of candidate for EU membership. The document states that the process will take place in accordance with Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union and on the basis of its merits, and in the meantime, efforts must continue to integrate Ukraine into the single market, in accordance with the Association Agreement.
The resolution, adopted with 637 votes in favor, 13 against and 26 abstentions, “condemns in the strongest possible terms Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine”. At the same time, MEPs call on Russia to cease all military activity in Ukraine. The MEPs categorically reject Moscows rhetoric, which hints at a possible use of weapons of mass destruction, and reminds it of its international obligations. They warn of the dangers of a nuclear escalation of the conflict. The European Parliament calls on the Commission and the Member States to continue to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians, in cooperation with UN humanitarian agencies and other international partner organizations.
MEPs welcome the swift adoption of the sanctions, but want to see more restrictive measures aimed at strategically weakening Russias economy and industrial base. They say imports of major Russian products, such as oil and gas, should be restricted. New EU investment in Russia and new Russian investment in the Union should also be banned, and all Russian banks should be blocked from the European financial system.
A number of sanctions, including a ban on access to the SWIFT system, should be extended to Belarus because of its direct support for Russias invasion of Ukraine, the document also says. In addition, the text calls on the EU countries to provide Ukraine with more defensive weapons, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, which allows for individual and collective self-defence.
“The European Union is going to be much stronger with us, thats for sure. Without you, Ukraine is going to be alone. Prove that you are with us. Prove that you will not let us down!” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the European Parliament in an emotional speech broadcast via video link. Kievs request for membership was “symbolic, political and legitimate,” said European Council President Charles Michel, while Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen warned that it would be a long process before becoming reality. (MI)
