MEETING WITH YOUNG POLITICAL LEADERS FROM UKRAINE

On Tuesday 15 October, MEP Javier Zarzalejos took part, together with the Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO), Sven Simon, in a discussion with a group of young political leaders from Ukraine held at the European Parliament. The meeting made it possible to exchange views on the democratic reforms underway in the country and its rapprochement with the European Union.

Zarzalejos firmly condemned Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine and expressed his recognition of the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of the war. He stressed that defending Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and freedom also means defending European values, and he conveyed the European Parliament’s continued support for the country’s European aspirations.

In his remarks, Zarzalejos, Chair of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), recalled that the Rule of Law is a fundamental pillar of the European Union and stressed that there can be no European integration without respect for legality, fundamental rights and accountability. In this regard, he encouraged the young participants to persevere on the path of reforms and institutional strengthening required by Ukraine’s accession process to the EU.

He also recalled that the Union has offered temporary protection to millions of citizens displaced by Russia’s aggression, a measure that will remain in force until 2027. Zarzalejos expressed his hope that the time will soon come when all Ukrainians can safely return to their country — fully democratic, free and based on the Rule of Law.