Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
MEPs have call on NATO allies to “honour their commitment” to Ukraine and pave the way for Kyiv to be invited to join the defence alliance.
In the resolution, adopted with 425 votes in favour, 38 against with 42 abstentions, MEPs stress that they expect that the “accession process will start after the war is over and be finalised as soon as possible”.
Until full membership is achieved, the EU and its member states, together with NATO allies and like-minded partners, “must work closely” with Ukraine to develop a temporary framework for security guarantees, MEPs say, which is to be implemented immediately after the war.
Parliament emphasised that Ukraine’s integration in both NATO and the EU would enhance regional and global security and strengthen the bonds between Ukraine and the Euro-Atlantic community.
MEPs also condemned in the “strongest possible terms Russia’s destruction” of the Kakhovka dam on 6 June, which, it is claimed by deputies, “constitutes a war crime” and has caused extensive flooding and “created an environmental disaster as well as ecocide in Ukraine.”
“All those responsible for war crimes, including the destruction of the dam, will be held accountable in line with international law,” add the MEPs.
Parliament additionally has called for a comprehensive and adequate EU recovery package for Ukraine, which should focus on the country’s immediate, medium- and long-term relief, reconstruction and recovery. They look forward to the European Commission’s upcoming proposed review of the current Multiannual Financial Framework and the proposed Rebuild Ukraine Facility, which will cover financing for Ukrainian reconstruction needs in the coming years.
MEPs highlighted the importance of linking the reconstruction of Ukraine with its EU accession preparations and ongoing domestic reforms, while stressing that rebuilding damaged infrastructure and industrial capacity should take place in accordance with the “build back better” principle and the European Green Deal. This would help transform the country into a carbon-free and digital modern European welfare state and market economy.
Parliament also gave its support for the European Council’s decision to grant Ukraine EU candidate status last year. MEPs express hope for a positive recommendation from the European Commission once Ukraine has successfully completed the seven steps set out in the EC opinion. They ask for a clear pathway for the start of accession negotiations, which, with enough support, could begin already this year.
