On the second day of the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, a debate on Ukraine took place. Members of Parliament discussed security guarantees, a just peace for Ukraine, and its path to EU membership. The discussion also covered the Commission’s reports on Ukraine for 2023 and 2024. ECR MEPs Michał Dworczyk and Adam Bielan took part in the exchange of views.
Michał Dworczyk, the ECR Group’s permanent rapporteur on Ukraine, noted that the report on Ukraine is not merely an analytical document. “It is a testament to Ukraine’s extraordinary determination; despite ongoing Russian aggression, Ukraine is not only defending its borders but also continuously reforming its institutions and strengthening democratic mechanisms, aligning its laws with EU requirements,” stated the Polish politician. He also highlighted Ukraine’s significant progress in the fight against corruption and in reforming the judicial system. At the same time, he highlighted the challenges facing the country: the need for reform of local government, greater judicial independence, and more effective protection of a free press and support for civil society. “It is extremely important for Poland that the Ukrainian authorities resume issuing permits for exploratory work and the exhumation of Poles murdered by Ukrainian nationalists from the UPA during World War II,” Dworczyk emphasized. He added that this is a very important process that must continue not only for the sake of bilateral Polish-Ukrainian relations, but also to preserve the spirit of Christian values that form the foundation of a united Europe. “Ukraine’s membership in the EU is in the strategic interest of the entire continent. It means greater energy security and stability along the eastern borders,” stated the MEP. He argued that a strong Europe is a Europe that includes Ukraine, and that the European Union’s duty is not only to show solidarity but also to have the courage to build this future together, supporting Ukraine in its struggle and on the path to further reforms.
“There can be no lasting peace without justice, and no justice without Ukraine’s full territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Adam Bielan emphasized. He also noted that any so-called compromise that rewards Russian aggression will be perceived as weakness and will only embolden the imperialist regime. “We must stand with Ukraine, not only to express solidarity, but also because its victory is of immense importance for European security,” he argued. In light of this, he welcomed the recent success of Poland’s newly sworn-in President Karol Nawrocki, who secured unequivocal security guarantees from U.S. President Donald Trump. He added that this sends a strong signal to the entire region. Bielan also commended the report’s mention of the genocide in Volhynia. “The Ukrainian side must finally begin the exhumation of the victims,” he urged.
