365 days to go : Ukraine's future in Europe
365 days to go : Ukraine's future in Europe
> Volt France calls for an immediate end to the fighting and for clear, unambiguous and coordinated EU support for the Ukrainian state and people in the defence of Ukraine's territory against Russian aggression.
> Volt France calls for a continued strengthening of sanctions to make them more effective and a prolonged reception of Ukrainian nationals who have fled since the fighting began
> Volt France calls for preparations to be made for the continuation of the conflict but also for its end, by actively building a European defence, by setting the conditions for international justice at the end of the fighting, by preparing the reconstruction of Ukraine
Paris, 24th of February 2023
This Friday 24 February 2023 marks the sad anniversary of the direct invasion by Russian troops into Ukraine. On this day we will take to the streets across Europe waving Ukrainian and European flags in solidarity with the heroic people of Ukraine.
365 days to come : Ukraine's future in Europe
(from Brussels Morning - source)
Tomorrow, exactly one year ago, the full-scale Russian invasion began, changing the lives of millions of Ukrainians. The rest of Europe got a rude awakening. After decades of peace on the continent, the daily news once again revolved around battles and war crimes. Battles in Ukraine between soldiers fighting for sovereignty on one side and imperial annexation on the other. Outside of Ukraine, Europe struggled with sanctions, rising energy prices and inflation, and the contradiction that the delivery of arms means the only chance for peace in Ukraine.
"A year ago, Europe finally woke up to the reality that Putin will not back down. He will continue to senselessly murder people unless he is stopped by force and threatened by failure. We must face this reality by first and foremost supporting Ukraine, and then putting our own defence capabilities in order in a European army", demands Volt MEP Damian Boeselager. Since the resumption of intense fighting in the region, he has been campaigning in the Strasbourg Parliament for a total gas embargo to support the Ukrainians from Brussels. "I will continue my efforts of the last year to make this war as expensive as possible for Putin, to welcome the Ukrainians in Europe and help them with funds, weapons and equipment!
Across Europe, people responded in every way possible in solidarity and support of Ukraine's sacrifices: Whether collecting donations, protesting against Russian aggression or holding politicians to account, this major mobilisation brought much-needed humanitarian aid, sanctions and arms supplies to the country. But there is still much to be done: Europe must unite more than ever!
Anastasiia Vozovych is one of the members of Volt Ukraine, which was founded in July 2022. For her, Ukraine's future lies in the EU: "Although we have a war going on, we should already start thinking about how to rebuild Ukraine, revitalise its economy and integrate it economically and politically into the European family. Then we would be closer to a bright common future in a more united Europe."
Today's challenges, which are not limited to the war in Ukraine and its consequences, simply cannot be solved with strictly national structures.
Francesca Romana D'Antuono, co-president of Volt Europa, underlines the responsibility and power of coordinated pan-European actions: "By engaging citizens locally and taking political action at all levels, it is possible to create a positive impact for Ukraine beyond national perspectives and interests."
Co-chair Reinier van Lanschot added: "Our common values as European citizens unite us and give us the strength to support Ukraine. From the local Volters in Munich who create a positive climate for Ukrainian refugees, to our Dutch MPs who call on the government to commit to concrete support, to our MEP in Brussels who advocates for a Russian gas embargo, Volt Europa clearly believes that Ukraine's future is in the EU!"
Anastasiia stresses that "sticking to the Copenhagen criteria is not just about ticking the boxes that EU member states expect of us". The reform process is about improving Ukraine as such and building a country where corruption, bureaucracy and old habits have no place. "Ukraine needs a European perspective and civil society to ensure that this reform process is properly implemented," she said.
It is important to work intensively with Ukraine to gradually integrate the country into EU institutions, structures and networks. Much has been destroyed by Russia - why not rebuild it with Ukraine's European future in mind? Ensure that buildings and infrastructure comply with EU directives; strengthen links between Ukrainian and European civil societies; promote European values. Ukraine's position is clear: it feels European and wants to be part of the European Union. It is now up to us, as established members, to support our brother in his fight to win the war against Russia, for a stable, prosperous and European peace.
We are determined to continue to support Ukraine's fight for a European future, from every point on the continent, until every Ukrainian regains his or her right to peace, self-determination and democracy!
About Volt
As the first truly pan-European party, Volt is committed to reforming the European Union and responding to today's challenges in a coordinated way at European level. Volt's vision: a progressive Europe with an inclusive society, a climate-friendly economy, an adaptable education system and self-determined digitalisation.
Volt is convinced that only the democratic participation of all European citizens will prepare us for a sustainable, economically strong and socially just future. This is why Volt acts at all levels - from local to European, as a movement and as a party. The movement gives everyone a voice and the opportunity to engage politically from within society. Today, Volt is present all over Europe: thousands of people of all ages and professions are involved in 30 European countries with teams in hundreds of cities.
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Contact
Alexandre Bisquerra - Co-Responsable Policy
Mail : alexandre.bisquerra@volteuropa.org
Antoine Jendzio--Verdasca - Co-Responsable Politique
Mail : antoine.jendzio--verdasca@volteuropa.org
Zoé Gadeyne - Co-Responsable Communication
Mail : zoe.gadeyne@volteuropa.or
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Mis à jour le 24 fevrier 2023.