Check out our timeline for an overview of how the EU and the European Parliament supported Ukraine in 2022 since the start of Russia’s invasion on 24 February.
Parliament President Roberta Metsola meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during her visit to Kyiv on 1 April
The timeline is in reverse chronological order, meaning the most recent event will appear on top and the oldest one on the bottom.
How the EU and the European Parliament supported Ukraine in 2022 since the start of Russia’s invasion on 24 February.
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Sanctions
EU adopts 9th round of sanctions
The Council adopts a ninth package of new measures intended to step up pressure on Russia and its government. The measures are intended to hit hard Russian economy and abilities to continue its aggression
Holodomor: Parliament recognises Soviet starvation of Ukrainians as genocide
Parliament recognises Holodomor - the Soviet starvation of Ukrainians in the 1930s - as genocide. Members also deplore that 90 years later Russia is again committing horrific crimes in Ukraine.
Parliament agrees to adapted €18 billion loan to Ukraine
MEPs agree to a modified regulation allowing the €18 billion support package to be transferred to Ukraine after Hungary had vetoed the original proposal.
EU countries decide to set an oil price cap for crude oil and petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals which originate in or are exported from Russia, at $60 per barrel.
MEPs vote not to accept passports issued by Russia in occupied areas
The European Parliament endorses a decision not to accept passports and other travel documents issued by Russia in illegally-occupied regions of Ukraine and Georgia.
European Parliament declares Russia to be a state sponsor of terrorism
MEPs have recognised Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, following the atrocities carried out by Vladimir Putin’s regime against Ukrainian civilians.
MEPs adopt EU budget 2023: focus on Ukraine, energy and recovery
For the EU's 2023 budget, MEPs secure better and more effective support for addressing the consequences of the war in Ukraine and the pandemic recovery process.
Metsola calls for forceful response to energy crisis, inflation, war in Ukraine
“We need a revision of the EU long-term budget to adapt to crisis and finance new priorities,” European Parliament President Roberta Metsola tells EU leaders at the European Council.
The Ukrainian people awarded the European Parliament’s 2022 Sakharov Prize
MEPs have awarded the brave people of Ukraine, represented by their president, elected leaders and civil society, the 2022 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.
Metsola calls for more military support to Ukraine and a united response to energy crisis
Parliament President Roberta Metsola calls for European unity in providing military support to Ukraine and responding to the energy crisis at the Prague informal European Council.
MEPs call for massive increase of military assistance to Ukraine
MEPs urge all countries and international organisations to unequivocally condemn Russia's sham referenda in occupied territories of Ukraine and its attempt to acquire territory by force.
EU adopts eighth package of sanctions against Russia
In light of Russia’s escalating war of aggression against Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, the Council decides to impose a new package of economic and individual sanctions against Russia.
Parliament's Secretary-General offers support in a visit to Ukraine
Klaus Welle, Secretary-General of the European Parliament, visited Kyiv on 21 and 22 September after being invited by his counterpart of the Verkhovna Rada, Viacheslav Shtuchnyi. Welle offered Parliament’s help in facilitating Ukraine's EU accession: "We are entering a new phase of our support for the Rada. The focus will shift from logistical to legislative support: How can we best help the Ukrainian parliament in its accession to the EU?”
Parliament strongly condemns the reported atrocities committed by the Russian Armed Forces. MEPs also highlight the forcible deportation of Ukrainian civilians, including children, to Russia, as well as Russia’s abhorrent practices in so-called filtration camps.
Simplified procedure to use EU regional funding to tackle consequences Russian aggression
Parliament's regional development committee backs simplified rules for the use of EU regional funds to address the consequences of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
State of the EU debate: Ukraine, energy, climate change, economy
In the annual State of the European Union debate, MEPs question President Ursula von der Leyen on the European Commission’s work in the past year and its upcoming plans. This includes challenges such as the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis.
In response to Russia’s continuing war of aggression against Ukraine, the Council adopts new measures intended to tighten existing economic sanctions targeting Russia, perfect their implementation and strengthen their effectiveness.
MEPs back a proposal to allow Ukrainian refugees to keep their national driving licences, exempting them from the obligation to exchange them for EU ones.
Lead MEP welcomes decision to give Ukraine and Moldova EU candidate status
David McAllister, the chair of Parliament’s foreign affairs committee, issued a statement to welcome the Council’s decision on the EU membership applications of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.
Metsola: EU candidate status will strengthen Ukraine and EU
Parliament President Roberta Metsola called on EU leaders to give Ukraine and Moldova EU candidate status in her speech at the start of an EU summit dedicated to this.
Parliament calls for candidate status for Ukraine and Moldova
MEPs adopt a resolution calling on EU leaders holding a summit that day to grant EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova “without delay”. They should do the same with Georgia “once its government has delivered” on the priorities indicated by the European Commission.
Croatian Prime Minister calls for candidate status for Ukraine
In his speech to MEPs as part of the This is Europe series, Croation Prime Minister Andrej Plenković expresses his desire for the European Council to grant Ukraine candidate status, as well as that of Moldova and Georgia, pending certain conditions.
Stefanchuk addresses Parliament, calls for support for EU bid
In his address to MEPs on 8 June, Ruslan Stefanchuk , the Speaker of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (parliament) called on the EU to endorse his country’s membership application.
MEPs welcomed the unity and additional sanctions delivered by the European Council during the summit on 30 May, but called for more arms to Ukraine and more attention for those struggling within the EU.
Metsola: We must start planning long-term commitment to help Ukraine
Parliament President Roberta Metsola called on EU leaders to commit to long-term engagement when it comes to Ukraine, including securing energy independence for the EU.
MEPs call for special tribunal to punish Russian political leaders and military commanders
Parliament asks the EU to support setting up a special international tribunal to punish the crime of aggression committed against Ukraine, for which the International Criminal Court has no jurisdiction and hold Russian political leaders and military commanders and those of its allies to account.
EU agreement to restock gas reserves before winter
Parliament and Council negotiators reach an agreement on a new regulation setting the mandatory minimum level of gas in storage facilities to 80% by 1 November 2022.
MEPs: all EU sanctions against Russia must apply to Belarus
Parliament welcomes the European Commission’s proposal for a sixth sanctions package against Russia and Belarus and calls on EU countries in the Council to ensure its comprehensive and swift implementation. All the future EU sanctions issued against Russia must be strictly mirrored for Belarus for its support of the war of aggression in Ukraine, say MEPs.
MEPs approve suspension of EU duties on all Ukrainian exports
Parliament backs a one-year suspension of EU import duties on all Ukrainian exports, to support the country’s economy. The adopted measures aim to remove barriers to trade.
EU must strengthen support for citizens and businesses and help for Ukraine
MEPs call for funding to deal with the consequences of the war in Ukraine, by confiscating Russian oligarchs’ assets, making use of new EU own resources, and fully using the funds available in the existing EU budget.
MEPs demand Russia return leased airplanes that have been re-registered in the Russian aircraft register, in clear violation of international civil aviation rules, and call on the EU to tighten sanctions on Moscow.
War in Ukraine: protecting women refugees from violence and sexual exploitation
To protect women fleeing the war, MEPs call on the EU and all host and transit countries to ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services , as well as to the obstetric care.
Oil embargo - the sixth package of sanctions is on the table
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announces a proposal for the sixth package of sanctions against Russia which would include a complete import ban on all Russian oil, seaborne and pipeline, crude and refined.
Italian Prime Minister Draghi calls for faster EU integration to address crises
In an address to the European Parliament, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi calls for faster EU integration: "We want Ukraine in the EU" and "we must also proceed as quickly as possible".
Fifth package of sanctions: coal embargo and transport restrictions
The EU adopts a fifth package of sanctions against Russia, in light of Russia’s continuing war of aggression against Ukraine and the reports of atrocities committed by the Russian armed forces in a number of Ukrainian towns.
Ukrainian application to the EU membership is in progress
The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen hands over the EU membership questionnaire to the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
EU facilitates steps by telecom operators to help refugees stay connected
Telecom operators based in the EU and in Ukraine sign a joint statement on their coordinated efforts to secure affordable or free roaming and international calls between the EU and Ukraine. The Commission and the Parliament facilitate this joint statement.
MEPs frontload €3.4 billion to address Ukrainian refugees’ needs
MEPs adopt additional urgent support measures agreeing to immediately release about €3.4 billion from the React-EU funds and speed up EU governments’ access to funds to pay for infrastructure, housing, equipment, employment, education, social inclusion, healthcare and childcare for refugees.
MEPs call for children fleeing war in Ukraine to be given safe passage and for assistance for those internally displaced or unable to leave areas under siege.
MEPs call for more support for Ukraine and further sanctions against Russia
MEPs unite in showing solidarity and giving more help to Ukraine. They call for further sanctions against Russia, additional support for Ukraine and for reducing the EU’s energy dependency.
Minute of silence in memory of war victims in Ukraine
President Roberta Metsola leads MEPs in a minute of silence in memory of the victims of Bucha, Irpin and all victims of war, terror and violence. She updates the Parliament on her visit to Ukraine and appeals for more logistical, humanitarian and military support.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola visits Kyiv to express the EU´s support and hope to the Ukrainian people and condemn the unjustified Russian attack. She meets with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well as others.
European Parliament launches website in cooperation with Ukrainian parliament
The European Parliament in cooperation with Ukraine’s Parliament Verkhovna launches the Stand with Ukraine shows how the EU supports Ukraine. The website, set up by Parliament, provides (in English and Ukrainian) the latest news, videos and podcasts, relevant legislation and resolutions.
In response to the involvement of Belarus in the unjustified and unprovoked Russian military aggression against Ukraine, the Council adopts additional measures targeting the Belarusian financial sector.
Third package of sanctions: banning Russian aircraft and transactions with Russian Central Bank
The EU approves a third package of measures in response to the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression carried out by the Russian Federation against Ukraine. EU countries decide to deny Russian aircraft permission to land in, take off from or fly over their territories and ban transactions with the Russian Central Bank.
Second package of Russia sanctions including against President Putin
The EU decides to sanction Russia’s president Vladimir Putin and Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. The Council also agrees on a further package of individual and economic measures covering Belarus to respond to the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression carried out by the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
European Parliament’s leaders express full solidarity and support for Ukraine
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola and the political group leaders condemn the attack in the strongest possible terms and express full solidarity and support for Ukraine and its people.
The EU adopts a package of sanctions in response to Russian recognition of the non-government controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine and sending of troops into the region.
