"We are profoundly concerned by tensions escalating in the Azov Sea on 25 November, which resulted in an incident between Russian and Ukrainian naval forces, leading to the Russian authorities closing the Kerch strait to traffic and to seizures of Ukrainian vessels, as well as hostilities.[...]
We warmly welcome the decision of the European Parliament to award this year's Sakharov Prize to Oleg Sentsov.
Through his determination to remain a free man despite an unlawful process and inhumane conditions of imprisonment, Oleg Sentsov is an incarnation of freedom of thoughts and a symbol of the struggle against Russian oppression. [...]Ukraine: MEPs and MPs determined to bring Kyiv closer to the EU
Following MEPs visit to Ukraine on 17-20 September on the occasion of the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee meeting, the Chair of the delegation Dariusz Rosati stated:
"We held the 8th meeting of our joint committee with the Verkhovna Rada in Western Ukraine - Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk and the Carpathian region, and focused on the issues which are of particular importance for the people living in these areas: regional economic development, including with the help of the EU through cross-border cooperation projects with EU countries, minorities, decentralisation.[...]
Today's vote of the Parliament in favour of further macro-financial assistance to Ukraine, amounting to up to 1 billion euro, is not only an illustration of our solidarity with our neighbour Ukraine but also a strong recognition of the important reform efforts undertaken in this country since 2014. [...]
The EP's Delegation to the EU-Ukraine PAC in cooperation with the European Commission hosted a stock-taking event on the anti-corruption reforms in Ukraine on Thursday.
Together with Commissioner Hahn, representatives of the Ukrainian authorities and heads of anti-corruption agencies, academic experts and civil society organisations MEPs debated the achievements and challenges to fight corruption in Ukraine. Following the event MEPs Dariusz Rosati (EPP, PL), Rebecca Harms (Greens, DE) and Michael Gahler (EPP, DE) stated: "Today's event demonstrates the joint commitment of EU institutions to maintain a strong focus on a successful fight against corruption in Ukraine. Organising such a discussion does not mean that we want to dwell on negative developments only, when dealing with Ukraine - quite the contrary. Our exchange of views has shown that there is good reason for hope, as corruption is being combatted not only through the setting up of relevant institutions, but also through an impressive range of sectoral actions which decisively contribute to closing the space for corruption in many areas.
AFET/D-UA Joint statement:
In light of Gazprom recent announcements, Foreign Affairs Committee Chair, David McAllister, Chair of delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee, Dariusz Rosati, and EP rapporteur on Ukraine, Michael Gahler, stated:
We are deeply concerned about the decision taken by Gazprom on 1st March 2018 to stop supplying pre-paid gas to Ukraine, as well as about the following announcement of Gazprom's withdrawal from the contract with Naftogaz. This is yet another proof of the instrumentalisation of gas supplies as a political tool of pressure by the Russian Federation, which might also impact the EU's energy security.
Statement by Mr ROSATI, Chairman:
The EP's delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee and Ukrainian Think Tanks Liaison Office in Brussels hosted the 3d edition of the "UkraineLab", think tanks' exchange platform, on Tuesday.
MEPs, experts and a large panel of officials and representatives of non-governmental organisations from the EU, Ukraine, US and Canada discussed the avenues for further cooperation.
"The EU-Ukraine Association Council of 8 December 2017 took place at the end of a successful year for EU-Ukraine relations, starting with the entry into force of the visa-free regime and the full application of the Association Agreement.
We welcome the fact that the Association Council discussed ways ahead for the bilateral relations, including Ukraine's proposal for preparation of steps towards its further integration with the EU Energy Union and Digital Single Market, and for a Customs Union, as well as the strengthening of cooperation in fields such as security and energy.[...]
On 12 October 2017, the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) in association with the delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee held an exchange of views with a delegation of the Committee on Human Rights, National Minorities and Interethnic relations of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, led by its chair MP Hryhoriy Nemyria, with the participation of Ms Valeriya Lutkovska, Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, of representatives of civil society organisations and European institutions.
Following the meeting, DROI Chair MEP Panzeri and Delegation Chair MEP Rosati issued a joint statement.