As discussions intensify around ending Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, Renew Europe emphasises that any agreement carries profound implications for the entire European security order.
The Liberals and Democrats insist on two fundamental principles: nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, and nothing about Europe without Europe.
Petras Auštrevičius (Liberalų sąjūdis, Lithuania), Renew shadow rapporteur on Ukraine, stated :
"Europe must regain and maintain the strategic initiative in any peace talks and subsequent talks about the future of Ukraine. I regret that the European Union has missed an opportunity to demonstrate its role as a global player by not forcing Russia, the aggressor state, to sit down at the negotiating table".
Petras AuštrevičiusRenew Europe MEP, Lithuania, Liberalų Sąjūdis
Renew Europe calls on the EU and its Member States to assume full responsibility for security on the European continent. Moreover, only Ukraine, as a sovereign country, can make decisions regarding the size of its armed forces or allowing foreign troops on its territory.
At the same time, those responsible for war crimes must be held accountable - no peace will be sustainable without justice, and the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war, civilian hostages, and kidnapped children.
MEP Nathalie Loiseau (Horizon, France), Renew coordinator for the committee on defence and security, emphasised:
"What is needed in a peace plan worthy of the name: that the victim be protected, that the aggressor pay the price for their aggression. We need security guarantees for Ukraine and for us. It is up to Russia to reduce its army and its level of armament. It is up to Russia to give assurances that it will no longer attack Ukraine or anyone else.”
Nathalie LoiseauRenew Europe MEP, France, Horizons
Our group demands the immediate adoption of a legally sound reparation loan to Ukraine, backed by frozen Russian assets, and urges the Commission and Council to urgently find a technically viable and acceptable solution for all.
MEP Karin Karlsbro (Liberalerna, Sweden), EP rapporteur on the financial assistance to Ukraine, stressed the need for sustained financial commitment:
“Russia must pay for the destruction of Ukraine. Europe must put frozen Russian assets to use and step up our own financial contributions. This is not a question of choosing one path or the other. We have to pursue both. Tariff-free access to the EU single market has been an economic lifeline for Ukraine since 2022. That commitment must remain unwavering until Ukraine takes its rightful place as a full member of the European Union. Ukraine is our frontline. Ukrainians are defending the freedom of all Europeans. We must match their courage with our support.”
Karin KarlsbroRenew Europe MEP, Sweden, Liberalerna