European, Ukrainian Parliaments sign Memo of Understanding – Metsola
President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola and Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk signed on Tuesday, November 28, an updated Memorandum of Understanding between the Verkhovna Rada and the European Parliament.
At a joint press conference with Verkhovna Rada Chairman Stefanchuk in Brussels on Tuesday, Metsola said they signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding on supporting parliamentary democracy between the two parliaments. This is an important and symbolic step in further strengthening their long-standing relationship. She said it is also a practical way in which the European Parliament can help Ukraine prepare for EU accession. This partnership will be further strengthened by its decision to establish a permanent presence of the European Parliament in Kyiv, Metsola said.
The President of the European Parliament said that by signing the updated memorandum, they are strengthening their parliamentary ties.
Metsola also noted the importance of the need to continue to provide support to Ukraine, military support, in particular through the European Peace Facility, as well as from member states on a bilateral basis.
She also said the European Parliament's position is clear, they must agree on a new $50 billion fund for Ukraine as soon as possible.
In addition, Metsola noted the tremendous efforts of Ukraine and, in particular, the Verkhovna Rada, to solve all the tasks of opening negotiations on accession to the EU.
She said, as Parliament, they hope and expect a positive decision from the European Council this December. In conclusion, their message is this: the European Parliament will continue to support Ukraine as long as it takes.
Euractiv previously reported that the European Parliament intends to open an office in Kyiv at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to the Verkhovna Rada Chairman, a plan for its implementation will be developed based on the memorandum.
"Today we signed an essential memorandum that outlined the main framework of our cooperation. And on the basis of this memorandum we will develop a plan for its implementation," Stefanchuk said.
He said cooperation between parliaments will strengthen every year. Stefanchuk expressed hope that the Ukrainian side in this cooperation will perhaps act in a new capacity as an "associated member of the European Union."
