On the Day of Ukrainian Statehood on Thursday 28 July, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, reiterated that the EU stands by Ukraine.
“Today we celebrate not only the foundations of the Ukrainian state, but also the courage, determination and will of all Ukrainians who are fighting to preserve the Ukrainian state and its territorial integrity”, she stressed in a speech delivered remotely before the Verkhovna Rada.
“We will stand by Ukraine in times of tragedy as well as in times of prosperity”, the President promised.
After granting EU candidate status to Ukraine on 23 June (see EUROPE 12978/1), Ms Metsola said that “it may not be an easy road”, but the European Parliament will be there to help the country every step of the way.
The European Parliament President explained that her institution was ready to provide expertise and advice to strengthen Ukrainian parliamentary democracy and would continue to support the Verkhovna Rada with any help it may need to operate “smoothly under these very difficult circumstances” and provide any help needed to deal with the consequences of the war.
“On behalf of the European Parliament, I assure you that we will devote all available resources, energy and expertise to help the Verkhovna Rada. A strong parliament is crucial for the stability of any democracy”, she explained.
In addition to helping the Verkhovna Rada, the European Parliament President reiterated that the EU would stand alongside Ukraine to rebuild the country. “This is an opportunity to transform Ukraine. To rebuild for the better. To create a modern, sustainable and resilient Ukraine”, she said, adding that the European Parliament, together with Verkhovna Rada, would continue to closely monitor the coordination of finances and spending on aid and reconstruction. “In this context, the strengthening of Ukrainian state institutions, which play a crucial role in implementing reforms consistent with Ukraine’s European path, is vital”, Ms Metsola warned. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)