They also call on the EU to expand sanctions against Russia and Belarus, and European companies and individuals who circumvent sanctions against Russia must be targeted. The first resolution of the new Parliament was adopted with 495 votes in favor, 137 against, and 47 abstentions. The six Dutch PVV members (who are affiliated with the Europe of Patriots, led by Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán) abstained from the expression of support for Ukraine.
Additionally, the MEPs condemned the recent visit of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to Moscow and have proposed additional measures against Russia and Belarus. Shortly after assuming the presidency of the European Council, Prime Minister Orbán made several trips, including to China and Russia. He did so on his own initiative and without consulting other EU leaders.
According to the MEPs, he committed a ‘flagrant violation of the EU treaties and the common foreign policy.’
Regarding Russia, the EU will continue to seize frozen Russian assets to help finance Ukraine’s war efforts and reconstruction. The MEPs also call for a legal framework for the confiscation of seized Russian assets and bank accounts.
Furthermore, they urge EU countries to increase their military aid to Ukraine for as long as necessary and in whatever form. MEP Thijs Reuten (PvdA) advocated for sending more air defense systems to Ukraine. ‘Many EU countries still have missile systems in their stockpiles that can be delivered to protect the Ukrainians and also our collective European security,’ said the Dutch MEP.