On June 3, the head of the Committee on Foreign Affairs Hanna Hopko visited Berlin to participate in the discussion on "Energy and Security in Europe", organized by the German Association for East European Studies (DGO).
The event was also attended by deputies of the Bundestag, representatives of Ukraine’s civil society.
During the discussion, the CFA chief stressed that the Nord Stream 2 project threatens the very architecture of European security and creates preconditions for Russia's full-scale invasion into Ukraine. Against the background of Brexit, EU countries were said to be of keen interest today in preserving European unity and solidarity. For some countries, including Germany, it also means the need to revise some projects, which could impede such unity directly. The said Nord Stream 2 is one of such projects.
At the same time, the committee head underscored that Russia is already preparing for the scenario of possible cessation of gas transportation through Ukraine, which could provoke a sharp rise in prices throughout the European market.
Today, it is necessary to make every effort to demand Russia's consent to tripartite negotiations with Ukraine and the EU to sign an agreement that is in line with EU law.
During her visit to Berlin, H.Hopko also held a series of bilateral meetings. During the meetings, a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation was discussed, including ways to intensify Ukrainian-German inter-parliamentary contacts and domestic political situation in Ukraine and Germany as well.
During the conversations, the topic of recognition of the Holodomor 1932-1933 as a genocide against the Ukrainian people was also touched upon.
Particular attention was paid to Germany's role in supporting Ukraine in countering the Russian aggression, ensuring the fulfillment of Russia’s obligations within the Minsk process, and the release of Ukrainian political prisoners.
The parties also talked over further steps towards Ukraine's full- fledged membership in the EU and NATO, the European investment plan, the policy of sanctions and how the Nord Stream 2 project can be stopped.
The German side assured that Ukraine would continue to enjoy FRG’s support on its path to reforms.
The CFA committee head Hanna Hopko expressed her gratitude for supporting independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as for important financial and technical assistance provided by Germany to our country.