With potential further bloodshed in Ukraine prevented and Presidential elections on the horizon, the EU must now turn its attention to a show of financial solidarity with Ukrainian citizens and assistance in democratic reforms that could pave the way to EU membership.

‘Ukraine deserves a clear European perspective, from an association agreement towards candidate status for EU membership’ stated Jo Leinen MEP, President of the European Movement International.

Mr Leinen continued that ‘it is more than symbolic that Ukrainians will elect their new President on 25th May, the very same day the European Parliament elections take place. The European Union must now show its solidarity with the Ukrainian people by offering political and financial support as well as assistance for reforms to bring Ukraine closer to the European family’.

Whilst Ukraine deserves a clear path towards EU membership, it should not be forgotten that as a long standing member of the Council of Europe, the nation now has a duty to once again defend and uphold the values it has subscribed to as a member state.

As an organisation that works across the Council of Europe member states, the European Movement believes that there must be stronger and more permanent links between civil society associations in Ukraine and pro-European organisations across Europe. Therefore, on 6th – 8th March, a European Movement delegation will travel to Kiev to support the permanent establishment of the pro-European movement in Ukraine.