The European Parliament adopted by 425 votes to 38, with 42 abstentions, a resolution on the sustainable reconstruction and integration of Ukraine into the Euro-Atlantic community.
The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA and ECR groups.
Since 24 February 2022, when Russia re-launched its unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, the geopolitical situation in Europe has fundamentally changed. The war of aggression constitutes a blatant and flagrant violation of the UN Charter and of the fundamental principles of international law.
Ukraine, as an independent and sovereign country, possesses the fundamental right to determine its own future. A strong, stable and independent Ukraine is vital for the stability of the Euro-Atlantic area and crucial for fostering European and global peace and stability, and upholding the principles of democracy and international law.
Parliament underlined that by successfully halting the Russian aggression, the Ukrainian army has proven to be one of the most battle-hardened and experienced armies in the world. It acknowledged and commended Ukraine’s significant contribution to the security of the Euro-Atlantic area and the defence of its values by resisting Russia’s war of aggression.
EU candidate status
Ukraine is a candidate country for EU membership and has made tangible progress in advancing crucial reforms and demonstrates a clear commitment to EU and NATO integration. The European Council is expected to decide on Ukraine’s preparedness for EU membership and further steps on its European path at its meeting in December 2023.
Parliament reiterated its support for the European Council’s decision to grant EU candidate status to Ukraine and called on the Council and the Commission to set out a clear pathway for the start of the accession negotiations. The Commission and the Member States are urged to continue to support Ukraine so that its EU accession negotiations can be opened this year. The EU is encouraged to provide increased support and assistance to Ukraine on its path to EU accession, including in terms of technical expertise, capacity-building and the institutional reforms necessary to meet the membership criteria.
The EU is called on to:
- put increased pressure on Russia and its allies, including through further sanctions packages aimed at strategically weakening Russia’s war capacity;
- expand the sanctions to include a full ban, in all Member States, on the marketing and cutting of diamonds of Russian origin or re-exported by Russia, and to lower the price cap on Russian oil;
- enhance military cooperation with Ukraine, including through the provision of increased capabilities, training and capacity-building.
NATO integration
Parliament called for the EU, the Member States, NATO allies and like-minded partners to work closely with Ukraine to develop a temporary framework for security guarantees, to be implemented immediately after the war, until full NATO membership is achieved. Ukraine’s integration into NATO and the EU would enhance regional and global security, promote stability and strengthen the bonds of cooperation and shared values between Ukraine and the Euro-Atlantic community.
In order to further increase support and improve understanding of the accession process, the Commission, the European External Action Service and the Member States should strengthen strategic communication and provide relevant information on the mutual benefits of and opportunities presented by enlargement both in Ukraine and in the Member States. They should also improve the visibility of EU funding and its tangible results in Ukraine.
Destruction of the Kakhovka dam and occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Parliament condemned in the strongest possible terms the destruction by Russia of the Kakhovka dam on 6 June 2023, which brought about extensive flooding, caused an environmental disaster and ecocide in Ukraine and constitutes a war crime. It reiterated that all those responsible for such war crimes, including the destruction of the dam, will be held accountable in line with international law.
The resolution also expressed concern about the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is illegally occupied and controlled by Russia. It demanded that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) personnel be granted immediate access to all facilities.
Lastly, Parliament called on Russia to:
- immediately terminate all military activities in Ukraine and to completely and unconditionally withdraw all forces, proxies and military equipment from the entire internationally recognised territory of Ukraine, to end its forced deportations of Ukrainian civilians;
- release all detained and deported Ukrainians, particularly children.