The Ukraine crisis risks escalating into an armed conflict which would have dire consequences for stability, peace and democracy in our continent. Further military aggression by Russia now threatens the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, putting the freedom of its people at stake.

This crisis cannot be resolved by any one European or global power alone. Aside from individual or bilateral initiatives, that should always reflect the common position of the EU, our Union needs to speak and act united with one voice. The EU must make use of its competences, conferred upon it by the Treaties, to shape a common stance towards Russia. Overcoming internal divisions is of the greatest urgency to take common action in de-escalating tensions and providing assistance to Ukraine. The EU and its institutions must be empowered by member states to broker such a common position. The collective strength of EU member states can best be expressed and articulated when delivered with one, European rather than national, voice.