The parties discussed Ukraine's path to full accession in the European Union, the importance of prompt adoption of the negotiation framework, as well as further cooperation between the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the European Parliament.
First of all, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine expressed his gratitude to the European Parliament and personally to the President of the institution, Roberta Metsola, for the support provided to Ukraine. In particular, for all the political decisions taken to help Ukraine and for the creation of an international coalition in support of our country.
“The Ukrainian Parliament is working despite the constant shelling of Ukraine. We work all the time in this very place, making the necessary decisions and implementing reforms in Ukraine,” said Ruslan Stefanchuk, adding that an important decision was made on the occasion of Europe Day: “We have opened the Parliament for journalists. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has always been open to the public — we have found the balance that journalists have agreed to — and they are here today to cover the work of the Parliament.”
“The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted all the necessary legislation after being granted EU candidate status. We are moving forward with reforms, and we are doing it very quickly,” the Chairman of the Parliament of Ukraine said.
At the same time, during the bilateral meeting, which had to be held in a shelter due to air raid alert, Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized the importance of strengthening military support from the European Union: “For us, the issue of air defense for Ukraine remains very important, as well as issues related to the continued provision of weapons and ammunition for our soldiers.”
Finally, the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine emphasized the importance of cooperation with the European Parliament.
For her part, following the meeting, the President of the European Parliament noted that her speech on April 1, 2022, from the rostrum of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, when Bucha had just been released and all the horrors committed by russia had been exposed, “set the tone for supporting Ukraine for the future.”: “Even then, we said that we would support Ukraine and help bring Ukrainian legislation closer to European standards.”
Roberta Metsola also emphasized that she was extremely pleased to address the Ukrainian Parliament on the day when it was open to journalists again, because “the Parliament is an institution that should work in an open way.”: “It is extremely important that parliaments remain accountable and responsible.”