Media censorship imposed by Russian authorities as well as the crackdown on peaceful, anti-war protests in view of the unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of Ukraine is escalating in Russia. Ukraine: Sanctions on Kremlin-backed outlets Russia Today and Sputnik Yesterday, two more of Russia’s most prominent media outlets, Moscow’s Echo and TV Rain, were banned, […]
Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with Slovak Prime Minister Heger
Thank you very much Prime Minister, dear Eduard, I am here really to thank you and to thank the Slovak people for their outstanding effort to support and welcome the people that are fleeing the war in Ukraine. And I think, in this very dark hour, that it is wonderful to see the unity and […]
Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with Romanian President Iohannis
Thank you very much Mr President, And allow me, first of all, to convey my condolences to the families of the officers that died in the helicopter crash last night, a very tragic accident. Mr President, dear Klaus, I am here today to thank you and the warm-hearted Romanian people for welcoming with open arms […]
International Women’s Day: Parliament shows solidarity with Ukraine
At an inter-parliamentary meeting marking International Women’s Day (8 March), many MEPs and national MPs expressed their solidarity with the Ukrainian women and people. In her opening speech, EP President Roberta Metsola said: ‘‘I want to start by commending the incredibly brave women of Ukraine who are fighting, forced to shelter their loved ones in bunkers, giving […]
Belarus’ role in the Russian military aggression of Ukraine: Council imposes sanctions on additional 22 individuals and further restrictions on trade
The Council today decided to impose targeted restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, on 22 high ranked members of Belarusian military personnel in view of their role in the decision making and strategic planning processes that led to the Belarusian involvement in the Russian aggression against […]
The Russian attack on Ukraine marks a new era for Europe, MEPs say
Debating Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, MEPs expressed unwavering support for Ukraine and for efforts to bring the country closer to the European community. On Tuesday, the European Parliament held an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels to assess Russia’s military assault on Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Speaker of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (parliament) […]
‘Senseless war’ forces one million to flee Ukraine: UN refugee chief
The “senseless war” in Ukraine has forced one million people to flee the country in just seven days, while countless others have been displaced within its borders, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said on Thursday. “I have worked in refugee emergencies for almost 40 years, and rarely have I seen an exodus as […]
Russian aggression against Ukraine: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the EP plenary
Check against delivery! Monsieur le Président du Conseil Européen [Charles Michel], Madame la Présidente du Parlement Européen [Roberta Metsola], Madame la Présidente de la Commission [Ursula von der Leyen], Président [de l’Ukraine, Volodymyr] Zelenskyy, Président du Parlement ukrainien [Ruslan Stefanchuk], Dear members of the European Parliament, I will try to share with you my thoughts […]
Invasion of Ukraine: MEPs call for tougher response to Russia
In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, MEPs demand tougher sanctions on Russia and new efforts to grant Ukraine EU candidate status. In a resolution adopted on Tuesday, Parliament condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and demands that the Kremlin end all military activities in the country. It also […]