**European Parliament Stands Firmly with Ukraine**
The European Parliament has a long history of upholding democracy, human rights, international law, and peace. One area where this tradition is especially evident is in the Parliament’s response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
**Strong Response to Russian Aggression**
After Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the European Parliament condemned the war in the strongest terms. It rejected Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories and denounced the sham referendums held in occupied regions. The Parliament also designated Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism and recognized the Holodomor, the Soviet-orchestrated famine of the 1930s, as genocide.
**Continued Support for Ukraine**
Despite predictions of upheaval, the 2024 European Parliament elections did not result in dramatic changes. Pro-Ukraine groups retained a commanding majority, and the new Parliament reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine in its first resolution of July 2024. This resolution called for continued military aid and condemned Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s visit to Moscow.
**Key Factors Shaping Future Actions**
Several key factors will shape the European Parliament’s future actions regarding Ukraine:
* Reforms in Ukraine: The Parliament will closely monitor Ukraine’s progress on economic, political, and judicial reforms.
* EU public opinion: Public support for Ukraine’s EU integration varies across member states, and changes in public sentiment could influence how Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) vote on Ukraine-related issues.
* EU relations with Russia and global powers: Changes in U.S. foreign policy or an EU-Russia rapprochement could lead to a firmer stance against Moscow.
* Economic cooperation: Deepening economic ties through the EU-Ukraine free trade agreement will likely bolster support for Ukraine within the Parliament.
* The war’s outcome: Developments on the battlefield will directly impact parliamentary priorities and decisions.
**Maintaining Support**
The European Parliament is poised to maintain its strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and EU integration ambitions. However, this commitment will depend on Ukraine’s ability to implement necessary reforms, shifting public opinion within the EU, evolving geopolitical dynamics, and the outcome of the war.