Statement of “European Solidarity” on the European Commission’s Report on Ukraine’s Progress in the Context of EU Enlargement
The European Solidarity Party welcomed the publication of the European Commission’s “Ukrainian file” and expressed sincere gratitude to European partners for an objective and balanced assessment of the real state of European integration reforms in Ukraine.
This was reported by the press service of Eurosolidarity .
“We are proud of the steps that the Ukrainian people and democratic forces have taken on this path after the Revolution of Dignity: from the signing of the Association Agreement and the introduction of a visa-free regime to deep sectoral integration with the European Union,” the statement said.
European Solidarity consistently advocates for the earliest possible start of real negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU, in particular for the opening of the “Fundamentals” cluster, which covers democracy, the rule of law, the fight against corruption, and civil service reform.
“We support steps aimed at implementing European integration tasks, but we are forced to note the selective reading of the European Commission report by the authorities. Official Kyiv is trying to ignore a number of critical remarks, ignoring which could have serious consequences for Ukraine’s European prospects. For several months now, the authorities have been effectively sabotaging the implementation of the European Parliament resolution, without taking any real steps to eliminate the violations indicated in it. It seems that they are also going to ignore the European Commission,” the publication says.
Despite sympathy, support and respect for Ukraine, the European Commission, like the European Parliament, could not ignore the systemic problems with democracy, the scale of corruption, pressure on the opposition and restrictions on freedom of speech. These assessments are not criticism, but a signal from friends who want to help Ukraine meet the high standards of the EU.
It is noted that the European Commission’s remarks regarding limited progress in the field of anti-corruption policy are of particular concern.
“We share the EU’s concern about the authorities’ July initiatives aimed at undermining the independence of the NABU and the SAPO. To maintain the stability of the state, Ukraine needs an effective and independent anti-corruption system. European Solidarity supports the European Commission’s calls to expand NABU’s jurisdiction to investigate corruption crimes at a high political level, including the leadership of the Office of the President and regional administrations, as well as to expand the list of persons subject to mandatory declaration, primarily to dozens of full-time and part-time advisors to the OPU,” Eurosolidarity added.
The party also welcomed the European Commission’s clear position on the need to ensure a transparent, independent, and pluralistic media environment — the foundation of a democratic society.
The European Commission also emphasizes the inadmissibility of pressure on the opposition, including restrictions on parliamentary diplomacy, sanctions and blocking of accounts. European Solidarity supports the call for the adoption of legislation that will guarantee the rights of the parliamentary opposition, and will soon submit relevant draft laws to the Verkhovna Rada.
“It is not surprising that among the issues raised by the European Commission was the reboot of the State Bureau of Investigation. This body, discredited by the execution of political orders against opponents and civil society, has become a symbol of selective justice, which contradicts European principles. We consider the European Commission report and the European Parliament resolution as a clear “road map” for the Ukrainian parliament and government. We call on the Verkhovna Rada and the Cabinet of Ministers to hold an open discussion of these documents in order to take into account the EU’s comments in further work,” the party added.
“European Solidarity” emphasizes that it is shared responsibility and readiness for self-criticism that can unite Ukrainian society and demonstrate to Europe the mature, unified and decisive course of our state towards full membership in the European Union.
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