Ukraine: MEPs welcome reform efforts amid the ongoing war

On Wednesday, theCommittee on Foreign Affairs adopted, by 54 votes to 17 with 5 abstentions, a report assessing the latest developments in Ukraine and its progress on reforms related to the EU accession process.

In the text, MEPs reaffirm that no decision should be taken on Ukraine without taking it into account to end Russia’s war of aggression, nor on Europe without consulting Europe, as any agreement will have profound implications for European security. They therefore urge the Commission and EU countries to explore the possibility of appointing a high-level European negotiator with a clearly defined mandate to represent the EU in diplomatic negotiations.

They also condemn the US stance of making US security guarantees to Ukraine conditional on the latter’s withdrawal from the Donbas region, and insist instead that Ukraine must receive credible security guarantees, including from EU countries together with their partners and allies, once the war has formally ended.

Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law

The report commends Ukraine’s extraordinary efforts to strengthen its democratic institutions and safeguard the separation of powers in times of war. At the same time, MEPs highlight the need to address the recent deterioration in relations between the legislative and executive branches in order to promote the separation of powers and protect multi-party pluralism.

MEPs welcome Ukraine’s progress on judicial reform and the fight against corruption, whilst urging that reforms in these crucial areas continue. They note that a strong rule of law will ensure transparency and accountability in reconstruction and economic recovery processes, thereby improving the investment climate and the confidence of international partners.

The report notes that Ukraine should redouble its efforts to ensure the integrity of judicial officials through transparent appointments and to keep anti-corruption bodies free from political interference. MEPs also call for measures to support freedom of expression and media independence to be maintained.

With regard to future elections, MEPs emphasise the importance of allowing sufficient time to meet the standards and conditions necessary for free and fair elections once martial law is lifted, and reject pressure from the US government on Ukraine to hold elections whilst the war with Russia is still ongoing.

Russia must pay for the enormous damage caused in Ukraine.

In the text, MEPs on the Committee on Foreign Affairs reiterate their firm conviction that Russia must pay for the destruction caused in Ukraine. They stress the need for predictable multi-annual financial support from the EU for Ukraine, enabling it to cover its recovery and defence costs without annual uncertainty. Whilst welcoming the support loan for Ukraine recently approved by the EU, they regret that the Commission and the Council have not agreed to use the cash balances associated with Russian sovereign assets and call for further work on the technical and legal aspects of this loan.

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“Ukraine is demonstrating that, with determination and resolve, it can withstand aggression, defend itself and set out on the path towards EU membership. This path will bring about far-reaching reforms for both the country and society, thereby preparing Ukraine for its future in a stronger European Union,” said rapporteurMichael Gahler(EPP, Germany).

More information: European Parliament.