ECR Group co-sign European Parliament Group leaders' joint statement on Ukraine, but maintain single point of criticism

The ECR Group has co-signed the statement on Ukraine made by the European Parliament’s Group leaders in today’s Conference of Presidents. In the text, Group leaders called for full support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. They also reiterated their demand for an immediate halt to the Nord Stream 2 project, should Russia launch an attack on Ukraine. The European Conservatives and Reformists pointed out that it would have been better to take a tougher line on the Nord Stream 2 issue by removing any conditionality to terminating the pipeline operation. This weakness in the statement should not be dismissed.

Speaking after the adoption, Mr Fitto said:

“We firmly believe that it should be the Ukrainian people to decide the path their country should take in the future at both domestic and international levels and without any interference from third countries. For these reasons e urge Russia to respect international commitments and obligations and to refrain from attacking Ukraine, which would undermine the principles and mechanisms of security and cooperation at European and transatlantic levels.

“We must support Ukraine with all the necessary instruments at our disposal by creating the conditions for a real democratic process, economic prosperity and social progress.”

In his speech in the European Parliament Plenary debate, Prof Legutko had warned:

“Russia has become an object of deep attraction for many Europeans and additionally an engaging partner in power politics. Also in economic relations, not to mention the notorious Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2. And the fact that former chancellors of Germany and Austria, former prime ministers of France and Finland have been working for Russian businesses, were employed by Russian businesses, is meaningful. These gentlemen and many others too—also, ladies, let me add—are not mavericks, but they represent what is typical of a large segment of European political establishments. To call a spade a spade: Europe is a weak link in the line of defence against Russian imperialism.”