Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze, Chair of the Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the EU, and Dmytro Liubota, member of the Committee, spoke at the COSAC Conference session dedicated to the enlargement of the European Union. The COSAC meeting is taking place in Copenhagen. It is an important platform for parliamentary dialogue between EU Member States, partners and candidate countries.
Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze emphasised that for Ukraine, the enlargement of the European Union is not an abstract policy, but confirmation that Europe continues to stand by the people who defend its values in the most difficult way. «We agree that enlargement should remain a process based on achievements, but these achievements must be assessed honestly, with a clear political horizon. Ukraine is doing its job - not without difficulties, but with the strong support of civil society. We are not doing this for Brussels – we are doing it for the people inside the country who are demanding change,» said the Committee Chair.
According to her, parliamentary control, transparent appointments, a system of checks and balances, and accountability must remain priorities in this process. «But I would like to take this opportunity to address all of you, colleagues! The time has come to unblock the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession without further delay. Every month of hesitation weakens confidence in the European Union's enlargement policy. And I address our Hungarian colleagues with respect, but frankly and sincerely. The right of veto is a serious instrument that should protect vital European interests. Under no circumstances should it serve short-term domestic political goals or play into the hands of the aggressor's intentions towards Ukraine. So I really hope that you'll all support and unblock the process, and remove this artificial veto imposed by the Hungarian government against Ukraine,» Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze urged.
Dmytro Liubota noted that Ukraine has already carried out large-scale and profound reforms in various areas and has fulfilled the necessary indicators on the path to the EU, therefore it deserves a fair, rule-based further path. «I urge you to say “yes” so that the process is not only announced but actually begins. Do not allow a single veto or short-term politics to weaken unity and trust in Europe. A stronger and larger European Union is one and the same. Ukraine will make you more secure, more resilient and more prepared for the future,» concluded Dmytro Liubota.
Dmytro Liubota, a member of the Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the EU, also spoke at the session on Sustainable Growth and Energy in the EU.
The MP stressed that Europe's sustainable development and energy security directly depend on how the EU responds to russia's war. «Every euro paid to russia for fossil fuels becomes a bullet, a rocket or a drone aimed at Ukrainian cities. Therefore, the European Union's energy policy is also a security policy. That is why Europe must move towards a complete ban on russian liquefied gas and close the remaining loopholes,» insisted Dmytro Liubota.
He called for tougher action against russia's shadow fleet – tankers that evade sanctions and ensure a flow of oil revenues. «Those who still buy russian oil through the Druzhba southern oil pipeline cannot achieve sustainable growth if it is based on dependence on an aggressor state. This must be stopped,» said the Committee member.
He noted that Europe must continue to strengthen sanctions against russian energy companies and ships in order to weaken russia's ability to wage war. It must also take decisive action on frozen russian assets, which should be used to support Ukraine. This will send a clear signal to russia that its aggression will not pay off. «Ukraine is defending the whole of Europe. Let's make sure that the EU's energy choices accelerate peace by completely cutting off funding for russia's war machine,» said Dmytro Liubota.