NordenBladet —
Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee Liisa Pakosta said that the Committees of the Riigikogu considered starting accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova very important. She was pleased that the European Union Affairs Committee had reached a unanimous decision on the enlargement of the European Union at its sitting on Friday.
“Opening of the negotiations will provide confidence that Europe will keep its promises and this will also motivate other countries to carry out the reforms that are necessary for accession,” Pakosta pointed out. “In addition to the accession negotiations, it is important to support Ukraine’s military victory at every opportunity, including financially as well as with ammunition and other weaponry. We need to continue with sanctions on Russia and uninterrupted assistance to Ukraine from the European Peace Facility, as well as take into use Russia’s frozen assets and jointly procure ammunition.”
Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Henn Põlluaas noted that, among other things, it was necessary to discuss how prepared the European Union itself was for enlargement, and what would be the work processes of the European Union when there would be more Member States.
At the sitting, it was noted that the accession process itself helped the countries to carry out reforms and become more successful economically. The members of the Riigikogu committees pointed out that Ukraine had been able to implement reforms even under war conditions. It was stated that no concessions would be made to Ukraine, but if they could meet the seven criteria that had been set, it was to be expected that accession negotiations would be started with them.
The starting of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova will be discussed at the European Council in Brussels on Thursday and Friday. Estonia will be represented at the Council by Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. Besides Ukraine and Moldova, the Council will also discuss the granting of candidate state status to Georgia and the opening of accession talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina, provided the country meets the required conditions.
For more information, please contact: Liisa Pakosta, phone +372 502 6191
Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592, +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: Riigikogu Committees before the European Council: Starting accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova is essential
Source: Parliament of Estonia