The plenary session of the European Parliament on Thursday welcomed the President of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelenski, on his arrival in Brussels with an extraordinary plenary session which the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, began by expressing firm support for the future of Ukraine as a «nation of the European Union» and making it clear that the response of Europeans to the Russian invasion must be «proportional to the threat» which, she said, is «existential».
«Our response must be proportional to the threat, and the threat is existential,» Metsola said in a speech that was applauded by MEPs and Zelenski, while the President of the European Parliament proclaimed that «Ukraine is Europe and the future of its nation is in the European Union.»
The Maltese politician, who wore a ribbon with the colors of the Ukrainian flag pinned on the lapel of his jacket, has especially recognized the «true solidarity» that Ukraine is showing despite being suffering the bombs «every day» with actions such as sending rescue teams to Syria and Turkey after the dramatic earthquake.
Likewise, Metsola stressed that Ukraine «not only fights for its own values but for those of all» and for the ideals that unite this country with the EU «as brothers and sisters» and make them «all Europeans».
Therefore, the President of the European Parliament has relied on the political will to facilitate the steps towards the EU, from facilitating trade relations to allow an accession process «as quickly as possible», without forgetting the financial support for the reconstruction of the country after the war and the sending of military equipment and defense systems needed «to win».
In this context, Metsola has called on EU governments to «quickly» consider providing as a next step «range systems and the jets it (the country) needs to protect the freedom that many have taken for granted.»
«We know the sacrifice your people are enduring for Europe and we must honor it not only with words but with actions,» he has reiterated in this regard.
«In all that time, Mr. President, your leadership has inspired your people and inspired all corners of the world. When the world thinks of Ukraine, it thinks of heroes fighting against all odds, of David defeating Goliath,» Metsola assured.
The political groups in the European Parliament also underlined the «unwavering solidarity» and unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression with a statement agreed at the Conference of Presidents. «We call on the member states to continue to help Ukraine politically, militarily, economically, financially and humanitarian», they have indicated.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
