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08 Feb, 2023

Liberals further support for Ukraine at EU-Ukraine Summit

On 3 February, European Commission’s College of Commissioners and the President of the European Council met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his government in Kyiv to take stock of the EU’s ongoing support to Ukraine in different areas, including financial, humanitarian, budget support and military assistance, as well as of the progress and next steps of cooperation and reform efforts by Ukraine to advance on its European path. 

During their meeting, Commissioners announced a support package of 450 million euros for 2023 to increase Ukraine’s resilience, support reforms and provide humanitarian aid. They also agreed to provide Ukraine with 2,400 additional power generators, 35 million LED light bulbs and an additional 157.5 million euros from the Energy Support Fund.  

In addition, both sides will push for further integration of Ukraine with the EU Single Market by 2024; voluntary measures by EU and Ukrainian operators for affordable or free calls between the EU and Ukraine will be extended for six more months, accelerating work on a permanent roaming arrangement; and the suspension of import duties for Ukrainian exports may be prolonged beyond June 2023.  

Find out more about the Commission’s solidarity with Ukraine proposal here 

Additionally, Charles Michel, President of the European Council, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and President Zelenskyy issued a joint statement, available here. 

President Michel said: “The Ukrainian people have made a clear choice for freedom, democracy, and rule of law. And we in the EU have also made a clear decision. Your future is with us. Your destiny is our destiny. That’s why we are here today. Standing by your side.” 

European Commission Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager said: “Ukraine needs EU support to win this war and start its reconstruction. And EU needs a free, independent, strong Ukraine as neighbour, partner and future member. Our paths are woven, our futures intertwined.” 

European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová remarked further on the meeting: “I was glad to see Ukrainian friends at the same table again, this time with my colleagues from the European Commission. Important to discuss on immediate needs and strategic goals. Discussion on integrating Ukraine further into EU Single Market and including it in key EU programmes.” 

European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders welcomed developments on prosecution of Russia’s crimes of aggression against Ukraine: “I welcome President von der Leyen’s announcement on the development in the Hague of the International Centre for the Prosecution for the crimes of aggression against Ukraine. This is an important first step to support Ukraine in the fight against impunity. Justice must be done.” 

On the topic of EU Accession, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olga Stefanishyna declared: “Today announced the launching of a “self-screening” process to indicate our level of alignment with EU legislation. Based on this, we will create a national programme for the adoption of the EU’s acquis. It's an important step in Ukraine’s preparation for the EU accession talks.” 

Commenting on the visit, ALDE Party Co-President Senator Timmy Dooley said: “The fact the EU-Ukraine Summit is being held in Kyiv is a testament to Ukraine's clear European path. There is no reason Ukraine shouldn't become a member of the EU once it fulfils the Copenhagen criteria.” 

ALDE Party Co-President Ilhan Jyuchyuk MEP added: “Ukrainians are defending freedom in the frontlines of this war whilst remaining committed to their EU accession. We must continue to support our Ukrainian friends all the way to EU membership.” 

ALDE Party Vice President and Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik highlighted the importance of the meeting: “EU-Ukraine summit is an extremely important event. We need the assurance that Ukraine will join European Union not in 10 years but really soon. We’re your shield.” 

Photo credit: © European Union, 2023 

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