In any case, the EU countries' political and financial support for Ukraine must continue until victory. That is the first position taken by the newly elected and installed European Union. In it, the MEPs reiterate that they will continue to support 'the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders'.
They also call on the EU to expand sanctions against Russia and Belarus, and to tackle European companies and individuals who circumvent sanctions against Russia. 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 Patriots of Europe, of Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán) refrained from expressing support for Ukraine.
In addition, MEPs condemned the recent visit of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to Moscow and are introducing additional measures against Russia and Belarus. Shortly after taking office as President of the European Council, Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán undertook a number of trips, including to China and Russia. He did this on his own and without consultation with the other EU leaders.
According to the MEPs, he thus committed a 'flagrant violation of the EU treaties and the common foreign policy'.
As far as Russia is concerned, the EU continues to seize frozen Russian assets to help pay for Ukrainian warfare and reconstruction. MEPs also want a legal arrangement for the confiscation of seized Russian assets and bank accounts.
They further call on the EU countries to increase their military support to Ukraine for as long as necessary and in any form. MEP Thijs Reuten (PvdA) argued in favor of sending more anti-aircraft guns to Ukraine. "Many EU countries still have missile systems in their stockpile warehouses that can be delivered to protect the Ukrainians and also to protect our collective European security," the Dutch MEP said.