Melbourne: The EU leadership has a political and moral obligation to grant Ukraine bloc status

Melbard stressed that the European Commission (EC) has already provided more than 500 million euros in financial assistance to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In addition, EU banking development program instruments, cohesion funds, intra-EU migration instruments and € 1.2 billion in macro-financial assistance are being used to provide assistance. Work is also ongoing to review the financial instruments available to the EU to provide additional assistance to Ukraine. According to the politician, various types of financial assistance from the EU to Ukraine will also continue.

Asked who could stop Russia, Melbard stressed that Russia’s war in Ukraine could be stopped by a united, firm and consistent position of the Western world, including the EU, NATO and other international institutions and organizations, including extensive political, financial, military and humanitarian support and assistance to Ukraine. , as well as the continuation of a strong sanctions policy against Russia and Belarus.

Regarding the risks that Russia could not face if it was not stopped in Ukraine, the MEP pointed out that despite the fact that the Baltic States are members of NATO, a permanent NATO force should be deployed in our region in the near future.

“The deployment of a permanent NATO force in the Baltic States will send a strong signal not only to deter Russia from potential aggression against NATO members, but also to foreign investors in our region. It is also to be welcomed that Finland and Sweden are currently actively discussing NATO membership. The accession of these two countries to NATO will only strengthen the security of the Baltic States in the region, “the MEP pointed out.

–