Ukraine
Greens call for EU delegation to Kiev
In response to the situation in Ukraine and the police crackdown against democratic pro-EU demonstrations in Kiev, the Greens/EFA group is calling for a European Parliament debate at next week’s plenary session in Strasbourg, as well as a special EP delegation to be sent to Kiev. Commenting on the situation, Greens/EFA co-president Rebecca Harms stated:
“The scenes emerging from Kiev are shocking. Having personally attended the pro-EU demonstration in Kiev last week, the brutal crackdown to this peaceful protest is incomprehensible and reprehensible and demonstrates the insecurity and weakness of the government.
“The European Parliament should decide without delay to send a delegation to Kiev to monitor the situation on the ground. This will also be a statement of support to the pro-EU protestors. In addition, Parliament needs to discuss with the European Commission and Council how to concretely support the opposition as soon as possible.
“The demonstrations show there is a new impulse in Ukraine. The EU needs to respond to this and this means committing to visa liberalisation and university exchange programmes, which will give concrete support to young Ukrainians.”<xml> </xml>
