Ursula von der Leyen spoke to Ukrainian lawmakers by video link a week after EU leaders granted Ukraine candidate status to join the bloc, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
'Europe will be at your side every step of the way'
The European Commission president told Ukrainian MPs and President Volodymyr Zelensky: “Ukraine now has a clear European perspective and it is a candidate to join the European Union, something that seemed almost unimaginable just five months ago.”
She added: “There is a long road ahead but Europe will be at your side every step of the way, for as long as it takes, from these dark days of war until the moment you cross the door that leads into our European Union.”
'The next steps are within your reach'
Von der Leyen said that Ukraine needed to deliver various key reforms as soon as possible, the Reuters news agency reported.
She cited the adoption of a media law, the implementation of new rules that reduce oligarchs' excessive influence and the appointment of top anti-corruption officials.
“The next steps are within your reach. But they will require hard work, determination and above all unity of purpose,” von der Leyen told the Ukrainian parliament.
‘I believe in Ukraine’s European future’
She went on to say: “I believe in Ukraine's European future. And the reason is simple. The reason is the tenacity of the Ukrainian people. Your resolve. Your passion for Europe. Your desire to live the European dream in your beautiful country.”
She told Ukrainian lawmakers and President Zelensky: “You are the ones who can change this country for good. And this will be your ultimate victory. A free, prosperous and vibrant Ukraine. A sovereign Ukraine that is finally reunited with our European family. Slava Ukraini.”
Von der Leyen later tweeted about the Russian invasion: "Europe will do everything in our power to help Ukraine win this war. And we will not rest until you prevail."
‘Together we’ll make Europe stronger’
Meanwhile, Zelensky said that, with its EU candidate status, Ukraine was no longer “Europe’s neighbour,” but “a member of the European family who shares the same values.”
Referring to his country’s integration with the EU, the Ukrainian president said: “together we’ll make Europe stronger.”
He thanked von der Leyen for leading the efforts to grant Ukraine candidate status.
Friday was day 128 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
(pm/gs)
Source: PAP, Reuters, ec.europa.eu