European Union facing the invasion of Ukraine

The European Documentation Center of Almeria collects in this entry the latest news, meetings and institutional statements regarding the situation between Ukraine and Russia. To consult all the content of each news item, we suggest to follow the indicated links.

May 18

The Commission has set out plans in a Communication for the EU’s immediate response to address Ukraine’s financing gap, as well as the longer-term reconstruction framework. This Communication follows from the European Council call to address the consequences of the war in Ukraine via a dedicated Europe-led effort.

Ukraine’s financing gap and longer-term reconstruction

May 17

Spain rejects the decision taken by the Russian Federation to expel a total of 27 staff members of the Spanish Embassy in Russia.

Spain’s position on the expulsion of 27 employees of the Embassy in Russia

EU ministers of defence discussed the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine with the participation of the NATO Deputy Secretary-General, Mircea Geoană, and the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Oleksii Reznikov. The latter informed ministers of the situation on the ground and the needs of the Ukrainian army that the EU continue to support.

Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council – 17 May 2022

May 16

The Foreign Affairs Council discussed the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine and focused on the latest developments on the ground and on the strands of EU action. In particular, ministers discussed EU support to Ukraine, diplomatic outreach, deterrence measures, Russian information manipulation and interference activities, and efforts to ensure accountability.

Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council – 16 May 2022

May 15

The Commission announces €1.5 million for a dedicated project to support the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in assisting women and girls in Ukraine by providing sexual and reproductive health services.

Ukraine: EU is stepping up support to sexual and gender-based violence survivors

The European Union (EU) donated communication equipment to the National Police of Ukraine (NPU) and the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) worth over EUR 200,000 through the PRAVO Police Programme. This donation help these institutions improve their operational capacity at a time when they are protecting Ukraine and its citizens against Russia’s aggression.

European Union Supports National Police and State Border Guard Service in Ukraine

May 12

As part of the EU’s solidarity response with Ukraine, the Commission has presented a set of actions to help Ukraine export its agricultural produce.

Commission to establish Solidarity Lanes to help Ukraine export agricultural goods

May 10

The European Union and its Member States, together with its international partners, strongly condemn the malicious cyber activity conducted by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which targeted the satellite KA-SAT network, operated by Viasat.

EU strongly condemns Russian cyber operations against Ukraine

May 2

On May 2, the European Union together with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) launched an all-Ukrainian awareness-raising campaign for prevention of human trafficking during the war.

Raising campaign for prevention of human trafficking during war

President Michel’s message to the Ukrainian Congress of local and regional authorities: “I would like to send you — and all Ukrainians — a warm and fraternal greeting from the European Union and our 450 million citizens. For over two months, we have watched with horror the martyrdom inflicted on you by Russia.”

President Michel’s message to the Ukrainian Congress of local and regional authorities

April 28

Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain countries concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

Josep Borrell’s statement on the alignment of some countries regarding measures threatening Ukraine’s independence

April 27

The European Commission has proposed to suspend for one year import duties on all Ukrainian exports to the European Union. The proposal, which is an unprecedented gesture of support for a country at war, would also see the suspension for one year of all EU anti-dumping and safeguard measures in place on Ukrainian steel exports.

EU proposes to suspend duties on imports from Ukraine

April 27

Both European leaders sent messages of encouragement to both the Ukrainian president and the Ukrainian people, hoping for a speedy recovery and restoration of the country after the Russian-initiated conflict. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen began her remarks to the Ukrainian leader by referring to him by both his presidential title and his first name, appealing to the more human side, so necessary to remember in the current circumstances.

Ukraine’s reconstruction: the messages of Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel

April 25

EU proposes to suspend duties on imports from Ukraine

April 25

Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain countries concerning restrictive measures in response to the recognition of the non-government controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine and the ordering of Russian armed forces into those areas

Josep Borrell on the alignment of certain countries to restrictive measures in response to the recognition of the areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces of Ukraine

April 25

Josep Borrell on the alignment of certain countries to the restrictive measures taken in respect of actions threatening the integrity and independence of Ukraine

April 21

Last year, I had the occasion to come to Ukraine three times. And exactly one year ago, in March last year, we went together to the Donbas. And there, I said “Russia is not a mediator”. I said “Russia is party to the conflict”. And the situation today is showing that I was right.