Assistance to Ukraine is support for common European values – Michel

Ukraine is the forefront in the battle for European principles and values, so it is the EU's duty to do everything possible to support Ukraine for as long as necessary.

President of the European Council Charles Michel said this after his meeting with Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez in Madrid, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

 “Your visit to Kyiv yesterday sends a strong signal of support to the people of Ukraine. Support for our common values because today Ukraine is the frontline in the battle for our European principles and values. Our duty is to support the people of Ukraine as much as we can and for as long as it takes,” said Michel, addressing the head of the government of Spanish, which assumed the presiding over the EU since July 1.

The European Council president noted that the European Union has recently confronted some of its biggest challenges: the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis. Spain has been at the forefront in addressing all these tests – constructive, focused on solutions and willing to forge powerful compromises.

This approach is reflected in the slogan of the Spanish Presidency of the EU "Europe, closer", and in the priorities set by the Spanish government for the next six months: – reindustrialising Europe, "green" development, promotion of social and economic justice and preservation of the unity of the European Union. According to Michel, these priorities will also feature in the EU’s new strategic agenda for the next five years.

“In a few weeks, the EU will have, as you have mentioned, its first summit with Latin America and the Caribbean in eight years. This is a great opportunity to re-energise the relationship between our continents in areas like the green transition, trade and economic cooperation. We are also looking forward to the third meeting of the European political community in Grenada in October. We will prepare it very well because these are important moments for our union,” Michel said.

As reported, Spain has taken over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and will perform these duties until December 31. As a sign of solidarity with Ukraine, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez paid a visit to Kyiv on the first day of his presidency and announced a large military and humanitarian aid package to Ukraine.

Photo: President’s Office