The Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine congratulated the participants of the parliamentary lesson organized by the Educational Center of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the Europe Day.
The lesson was attended by a record number of students from all over Ukraine — more than 50,000 high school and first-year students.
“Such a huge interest of our children and youth in European integration is impressive and inspiring! And it is not surprising. Today, a record 89% of young Ukrainians under the age of 30 support Ukraine's accession to the EU,” emphasized Olena Kondratyuk.
In her opening remarks, she spoke about the role of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in European integration and the adoption of more than 60 European integration laws. “Amidst the war, we, as MPs, did everything possible to ensure that Ukraine received candidate status and could start negotiations on joining the EU this summer,” the Vice Speaker emphasized.
She also emphasized the common values that unite the 27 EU member states. The same ones that Ukrainians profess — dignity, freedom, human rights, democracy.
The Deputy Chairwoman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also emphasized the irreversible European choice enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine.
“We fought for it during the Revolution of Dignity. The Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred died for this choice. Among them are the youngest, such as Nazariy Voitovych and Ustym Holodniuk, who are the same age as the participants of the lesson. And we continue this struggle, defending ourselves against russian aggression,” said Olena Kondratiuk.
She urged young people to take an active part in such parliamentary lessons. To be interested in what the European Union is: what it consists of, what role the European Parliament plays, what benefits EU membership and citizenship brings.
“Our current high school and university students are not only citizens of Ukraine, but also future EU citizens. I have no doubt about it! Someday you will be able to be elected and vote for members of the European Parliament from Ukraine, not just the Verkhovna Rada. We will bring the country to the EU, I am convinced of that. We are already very close to this moment. And our young people need to gain knowledge, experience and competencies. Because they will have to make Ukraine one of the best and most successful countries in the EU,” said the Vice Speaker Olena Kondratiuk.