Ukrainian and European Parliament sign considerable memorandum: Key highlights
Photo: President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola and Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk (Getty Images)
The Verkhovna Rada and the European Parliament signed an important memorandum on November 28. It will help Ukraine prepare for joining the EU, in particular, an office of the legislative body will appear in Kyiv, European Parliament President Roberta Metzola and Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk say at a press conference.
Preparation for joining the EU and an office in Kyiv
"We have just moments ago signed a renewed memorandum of understanding for parliamentary democracy support between our two Parliaments. This is an important and symbolic step in further strengthening our long-standing relations. It is also a practical way in which we, as the European Parliament, can help Ukraine prepare for EU accession," she says at a joint press conference with the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk in Brussels on Tuesday, November 28.
In addition, according to Metsola, this partnership will be further strengthened by the decision to "establish a permanent presence of the European Parliament in Kyiv".
Strengthening ties and further assistance
In addition, the President of the European Parliament emphasizes that in this way it will be possible to strengthen parliamentary ties between Ukraine and the EU. In addition, she also focused on the need to continue providing support to Ukraine, in particular military support through the European Peace Facility (EPF), as well as from EU members.
"Secondly, our position is clear. We must agree on a new 50 billion Ukraine facility as soon as possible," Metsola says.
In addition, Metsola emphasized the "huge efforts" of Ukraine, in particular the Verkhovna Rada, to solve all the tasks related to the opening of negotiations on joining the EU.
"As the Parliament, we hope and we expect a positive decision by the European Council this December. So, in conclusion, our message is this the European Parliament will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes," she assures.
According to the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, a plan for its implementation will be developed based on the memorandum.
"We have signed a memorandum that will definitely become a very important landmark for our future European rapprochement. This will be concrete cooperation between our Parliaments," he says, noting that Ukraine may act in this cooperation in a new capacity - "an associate member of the European Union".
