Yesterday evening, EU heads of state and government agreed to start accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. An agreement on the revision of the EU's multiannual financial framework (MFF) was not reached. Henrike Hahn, Bavarian MEP, industrial policy spokesperson and shadow rapporteur of the Greens/EFA Group for the EU budget for 2022, comments:

“Starting accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova is a historic step for the EU and central for the future of Europe. However, the clear message to Viktor Orban has to be: Rule of law and democracy can never be negotiable in the EU.

It is a problem for Europe that no agreement was reached on the revision of the multiannual financial framework (MFF). Vital aid to Ukraine cannot remain in limbo. The EU has to find additional funds for urgent external policy challenges including humanitarian aid and for important industrial policy initiatives. Spending programs must be safeguarded for the coming years and strategic future investments, such as the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) cannot fall under the table.

A special facility for the Ukraine outside the MFF that EU member states have now brought into play is conceivable as a temporary solution. Bilateral support for the Ukraine from the EU member states is always possible.”

 

I would be happy to answer any further questions.