NordenBladet —
Hussar said at the Conference that Ukraine’s security was Europe’s security, and an independent and sovereign Ukraine as part of the European family was the best guarantee against Russia’s imperialism. “Russia’s recent attacks and actions show no real intention to end the aggression. Our message must be clear: we will not leave Ukraine alone,” he emphasised.
In his speech, Hussar reaffirmed that the future of Ukraine, as well as Moldova, was in the European Union. “Their accession will strengthen Europe’s resilience, security and credibility, and send a strong message against Russia’s aggression The EU accession process is our most powerful tool to give hope to the Ukrainian people,” he said, and underlined that Estonia wanted to move as soon as possible to the next stage – the actual start of negotiations.
According to Hussar, the EU enlargement must remain performance-based, but at the same time, no Member State should hinder the progress of candidate countries if they have done their homework properly.
He pointed out that at the same time as supporting Ukraine, pressure on Russia must be increased. “Europe is facing a difficult decision: whether to use the 200 billion euros of Russia’s central bank’s frozen assets for the benefit of Ukraine, or to return them to Russia as a bonus in a few months’ time. If someone wants to release the frozen assets and return them to Russia, it must be understood that this money will go directly to finance the aggression against Ukraine and a hybrid war against us all,” he said.
Hussar believes that it must be ensured that the assets remain frozen, and that there must be a clear plan on how to use them in the future. He called on EU countries to mobilise their political will and to pay serious attention to this issue.
In response to the leaders of Hungary who support energy trade with Russia, Hussar said that cheap Russian energy drenched in the blood of Ukrainians was not cheap, and was not the solution in standing for European principles.
The Conference of Speakers, held in Budapest, Hungary, will discuss the future of the EU and the challenges facing Europe, as well as the issues relating to regionalism in Europe and safeguarding Europe’s cultural identity.
At the Conference, Hussar will have separate meetings with Walter Rosenkranz, the President of the lower house of the Austrian Parliament, the National Council of Austria, and Martin Bosma, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands, the lower house of the bicameral parliament of the Netherlands. They will discuss cooperation between their countries, further support to Ukraine, increasing pressure on Russia and relations with the United States. Hussar and Bosma will also speak about the forthcoming NATO Summit in the Netherlands.
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: Hussar called on the EU to increase support to and start accession negotiations with Ukraine
Source: Parliament of Estonia