In a debate with the French delegate minister Klinkert and President von der Leyen, MEPs stated that the internal unity and solidarity of the EU is of key importance now and for the future reconstruction of Ukraine.
On Wednesday morning, MEPs discussed the social and economic consequences of Russia's war in Ukraine for the EU. They applauded the sixth package of sanctions against Russia and the recovery package for Ukraine, both presented by Commission president von der Leyen. MEPs underlined the need to support EU citizens and businesses affected by the war as well, calling for unity between the Member States. They also demanded support for countries hit by the war, either because of their dependence on Russian gas and oil, or because they were hosting large numbers of Ukrainian refugees.
The debate was opened by the French Minister, Delegate for Integration, Brigitte Klinkert, and the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. You can watch their opening statements here.
MEPs stressed the plight of EU citizens
Most MEPs insisted on the need to defeat Putin. But she also stressed that the best way to do this was to minimize the costs to the EU itself. This would preserve unity between Member States, softening the impact on households and businesses. It would also enable the EU to better assist in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. MEPs highlighted the plight of EU citizens who have to choose between buying food or heating their homes. Parliamentarians also asked the Commission to consider on a case-by-case basis whether to introduce new rules that could add additional burdens to already struggling businesses. Here you can watch the first round of MEPs interventions PE .
Source: European Parliament
Read and learn more: Ten more years of roaming at no extra charge
