STRASBURGO (FRANCIA) (ITALPRESS) – “A just and lasting peace. This is what we all want. This is why Europe supports all efforts to build this peace for Ukraine. A peace that ends the killings. A peace that avoids creating a dangerous precedent. A peace that guarantees the security of Ukraine and its long-term sovereign rights. And ensure a solid security architecture for Europe.” This was said by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, speaking before the plenary of the European Parliament. “That is why we welcome the efforts led by President Trump. After months of discussions, it is important that the work started on a real text – he added -. We all know that more effort is needed. But I believe that – thanks to the work done by Ukraine, the United States and us Europeans in the last days in Geneva – we now have a starting point. Our united front, our unique voice and our sense of shared purpose must continue to lead work at European level.”.
Von der Leyen then outlined “some of the fundamental priorities for Europe as we work with Ukraine, the United States and the Coalition of the Wanted on the road to follow”. “The first is that any agreement should guarantee a just and lasting peace – explained the president of the European Commission -. And it should ensure real security for Ukraine and Europe. As a sovereign nation, there can be no limitations to the Ukrainian armed forces that would make the country vulnerable to future attacks. And this concerns both deterrence and security of Europe. Because Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security.”.
“Second priority – he added – defends the sovereignty of Ukraine. We know that Russia’s mentality has not changed since Yalta. Consider our continent in terms of spheres of influence. So we have to be clear that there can be no unilateral division of a sovereign European nation. Sovereignity also means being able to choose your future. Ukraine has chosen a European destiny. This has already led to a partial integration in our Single Market and in our industrial defence base. And this is just the beginning of a path. The future of Ukraine is in the European Union.”.
“Third priority: to ensure the financial needs of Ukraine – the President of the EU Commission explained –. In the absence of a real intention of Russia to start peace talks, it is clear that we must support Ukraine in its defense. And this begins by ensuring that it has the necessary financial resources. In the last European Council, we are committed to covering Ukraine’s financial requirements for 2026 and 2027. On this theme we presented a document of options. This includes an option on immobilized Russian assets. The next step is that the Commission is ready to submit the legal text. To be very clear, I do not see a scenario where only European taxpayers will pay the bill.”.
“The fourth priority: whatever the structure of a future peace treaty, it is clear that much of the implementation will be for the European Union and its NATO partners. Whether security guarantees, sanctions, financing reconstruction of Ukraine, integration of the Single Market or EU membership. This principle has been accepted. Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine – said von der Leyen –. Nothing about Europe without Europe. Nothing about NATO without NATO. The last priority I would like to focus on is one that cannot be forgotten: the return of every single Ukrainian child kidnapped by Russia. There are tens of thousands of children and girls whose fate is unknown. Trapped by Russia in Russia. We won’t forget them. There are thousands of moms and dads who never stopped hoping and fighting to get their kids back. And Europe will never give up to this goal.”.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
