On our very first day in office, I am here in Kyiv, together with the High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas and the new Commissioner in charge of Enlargement Marta Kos.
Our presence here today, the anniversary of Ukraine’s independence referendum, demonstrates the European Union’s unwavering support to the Ukrainian people and its courageous struggle for a just and lasting peace.
International law must prevail against the unprovoked, immoral and illegal war of aggression launched by Russia against Ukraine. Peace must prevail and the invasion must be defeated.
To be here in Ukraine, on this particular day, has a very special meaning for me. On the first of December, for almost 400 years, every single year, my own country celebrates its independence day: our national sovereignty, the right to of self-determination, the right of territorial integrity and respect for its borders. Ukraine, like my country, like all countries in the world, has the same right under the UN Charter.
Ukrainian sovereignty, the integrity of its territory, its own borders must be respected. Rewarding the aggressor would be a threat to the entire international community. And we must be clear that the use of nuclear threats is unacceptable. This can never be put into question.
Russia’s reckless and deliberate attacks against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and energy systems are inhumane. In fact, such actions are targeting people, children, families, depriving them of electricity, heat, water.
This is why, we come here to say directly to the Ukrainian people: we have stood with you since the very first day of this war of aggression and you can count on us to continue to stand with you. These are not just words. We will continue giving humanitarian, economic, diplomatic, military and energy assistance.
On energy, we have financed the repair of 1/3 of the existing electricity generation capacity and more will come. This month, the European Union will provide Ukraine with an additional 4,2 billion euros to support the Ukrainian budget.
On top of this, starting next month, we plan to provide, for a full year, every month, 1,5 billion euros of assistance. This money comes from the proceeds of Russia’s frozen assets and can also be used for military purposes.
We will also increase the pressure on the Russian economy and further weaken Russia’s ability to wage war. We are preparing a 15th sanctions package against Putin’s regime.
In these dark times, it is very difficult to look ahead. But let me talk about the future, about the future we are building together. You are part of the European family. We look forward to welcome you as a member of our Union. Your progress so far has been impressive. Ukrainians are writing a new playbook on how to undertake deep reforms while fighting a war for national survival.
Together, the European Union and Ukraine will work to open at least two clusters of your accession negotiations during the first semester of next year.
Already, gradual integration is starting in different policy areas, such as roaming, and a number of products across of next year could be trade as if Ukraine is already in the Single Market .
To conclude, I want to repeat: we stand with you as long as necessary and whatever it takes. We stand firmly on the side of your right to self-defence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. And we will do our utmost to see you in the European Union as a free European nation as soon as possible. I am looking forward to seeing you in Brussels at the next European Council in two weeks.