A large majority of MEPs express appreciation for the constitutional reforms that Ukraine has implemented despite the war. According to the Parliament, Ukraine demonstrates that it continues to make important steps towards EU membership under difficult circumstances. EU politicians are also positive about Moldova, but much less so about Serbia.
However, this support for Ukraine is not unconditional. The MEPs believe that Ukraine must continue working on the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and combating corruption. Further progress in these areas remains necessary according to EU politicians for subsequent steps in the accession process.
War History
In the same resolution, the Parliament expresses concern about the recently increased tensions between Ukraine and neighboring Poland. According to the MEPs, the recent verbal dispute over their shared history during World War II has caused unnecessary damage to the relationship between the two neighbors.
Promotion
The European Parliament regrets that the historical conflict has flared up again and calls on both countries not to let cooperation be pressured by disagreements about the past. Especially under current circumstances, a good mutual understanding remains very important, according to the resolution. Internal division would only play into Russia's hands.
Aluminium Export
A broad group of political factions in Strasbourg also supports a call to fully ban the export of alumina from the European Union to Russia after it became clear last month that an aluminum plant in Ireland exports far more raw materials to Russia than previously reported. Russia can use these to manufacture flying bombs.
The proposed ban is part of the resolution on Ukraine. Although the vote on this is non-binding, the MEPs want to increase pressure on the European Commission to include such an aluminum ban in a future sanctions package against Russia.
The Irish aluminum plant Aughinish Alumina plays an important role in this. According to the European Parliament, European support for Ukraine should be demonstrated not only through political backing and the accession process but also through measures that further weaken the Russian war economy.