European Parliament leaders demand decisive support for Ukraine

Ahead of the special European Summit of the 1st February, the leaders of the main groups in the European Parliament have authored a joint statement calling on EU leaders to live up to their promises and take the decisions that are required to face the extraordinary challenges presented to Ukraine.

The political group leaders call for long-term military support to be stepped up, to ensure Ukrainian defence forces have the ammunition and military support they so urgently need. Economic and financial support proposed under the Ukraine Facility must be agreed without further delays or the agreement of annual vetoes.

President of Renew Europe, Valérie Hayer, said:

“We said we would stand by Ukraine and now is the time to show our resolve. Vladimir Putin is counting on the unity of Europeans to falter; we must show him he is wrong. A free and democratic Ukraine is vital for Ukrainians, but for our freedom and democracy too!”

Commenting on the continued threats of vetoes by the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, President Valérie Hayer, said:

“Giving in to Viktor Orbán’s request for an annual veto would be a recipe for continued extortion. It is past time to stand up to this blackmail, instead of providing new ways for him to abuse our values and EU taxpayers.”

Note to Editors: Find the Joint Statement signed by mainstream EP leaders attached.