Ukraine’s EU path runs through reform

“One of the best security guarantees for Ukraine will be its place among the Member States of the European Union. Ukraine’s EU accession is both a path to peace and prosperity for the country and a strategic response to Russia’s aggression, serving as a credible security guarantee while strengthening the EU’s geopolitical resilience. It is essential that all politicians in Ukraine remain united and continue to be guided by a sense of firm political unity in the face of the ongoing existential threat to the country’s freedom and independence. In particular, those politicians in Ukraine who are currently in power should use their wartime powers to foster political unity and to ensure coherent and inclusive policy-making,” stressed Michael Gahler, MEP, the EPP Group's Spokesman on Foreign Affairs.

During Tuesday’s parliamentary joint debate on the EU's action to ensure security guarantees and just peace for Ukraine as well as the debate on the report assessing Ukraine's progress on EU accession, the EPP Group called on Ukraine to strengthen reforms on its European path, especially by safeguarding the independence of anti-corruption institutions, restoring full nationwide broadcasting for media providers and refraining from political censorship while applying wartime restrictions. “Failing to do so would be a serious blow to Ukraine’s reform agenda,” warned Gahler.

The EPP Group believes that, at the same time, Europe should act as a security guarantor for Ukraine.

“With Trump’s approach and red carpet for Putin in Alaska, Europe should be even stronger and more motivated in taking care of its own security, which means clear and practical support for Ukraine’s fight against Kremlin’s tanks, rockets and disinformation. We welcome Ukraine’s efforts on its path to European integration. The years 2023 and 2024 have been extremely important for the relationship between the European Union and Ukraine. The EU, at its core, is a peace project and therefore each European nation that truly wants peace and can demonstrate it by the reforms and a democratic political culture should be able to find its place in the European Union,” said Andrzej Halicki MEP, Vice-Chair of the EPP Group for Foreign Affairs.

“Russia not only kills Ukrainian people and destroys infrastructure, but also wants to kill Ukrainian identity and culture. Defending Ukraine’s democratic culture, its commitment to the rule of law, and respect for humanitarian and fundamental rights represents a crucial frontline against Russia. We remain at the disposal of our Ukrainian partners in their efforts to reform,” stressed Halicki.

“Ukraine’s security is a crucial part of Europe’s own security. With a shift in United States policy, the EU and its Member States must remain Ukraine’s primary strategic allies and reinforce their leadership role in supporting Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty, peace, and justice,” Gahler concluded.