MEPs have emphasized the breaking down of self-imposed restrictions on military aid to Ukraine, the need for military aid from EU and NATO members to Kiev of at least 0.25% of GDP, and giving the green light to US military aid without delay.
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling on the EU to support Ukraine where necessary and win the war against Russia.
The text adopted on Thursday received 451 votes in favour, 46 against and 49 abstentions, and takes stock of the two years since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
MEPs emphasize that the conflict has changed the geopolitical situation in Europe and beyond and emphasize that the main goal must be Ukraine’s victory. If this does not happen, “the consequences will be serious,” they warn. Parliament believes that other authoritarian regimes are closely monitoring the situation and assessing their options to pursue an aggressive foreign policy.
“Kiev’s victory requires that countries not impose restrictions on the military assistance they can provide,” the text adds. Therefore, the House requests that Ukraine be provided with the necessary means to expel all Russian armed forces from its internationally recognized territory.
Ammunition, missiles and air defense systems
MEPs have highlighted the huge differences in the level of support provided by Member States to Ukraine and are calling for investments in Europe’s defense industry.
The resolution describes the specific weapons needed, including air defense systems, long-range missiles such as TAURUS, Storm Shadow/SCALP, artillery of various types and ammunition (particularly 155 mm), drones and weapons for self-defense.
“All Member States of the Union and NATO allies must provide military support to Ukraine with not less than 0.25% of their GDP per year,” the text said.
It also encourages countries to negotiate with companies in the sector to increase production and supply of ammunition, projectiles and missiles for Ukraine in response to orders from other third countries.
Furthermore, they reiterate that the United States House of Representatives must adopt the military aid package for Ukraine without further delay.
Confiscation of Russian assets
Parliament also underlines the urgency of establishing a solid legal regime that would allow for the confiscation of Russian state assets frozen by the Union and their use to compensate for the damage and victims of the war.
“Once the war is over, Russia will have to pay any reparations imposed on the country to ensure that it makes a substantial contribution to the reconstruction of Ukraine,” he added.
The MEPs also want the EU to maintain and extend sanctions against Moscow and its ally Belarus. This includes banning Russian imports of uranium and metallurgical products and ending cooperation with Russia’s nuclear sector, as well as an immediate and complete embargo on Russian imports of agricultural and fishery products and marine and liquid fossil fuels natural gas via gas pipelines.
Finally, Parliament condemns the countries, companies, associations and individuals who help Moscow to circumvent European sanctions and points out that these practices must be punished by the EU.
Source: EITB
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