European Parliament opens office in Ukraine at Zelensky's request

The European Parliament (EP) has agreed to open an office in Kiev to increase support for the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) at the request of top Ukrainian government officials, the European Union (EU) news portal Euractiv reported on November 21.

According to a document obtained by Euractiv from the Office of the European Parliament – the body responsible for making administrative decisions on internal operations – the opening of a representative office in the Eastern European country aims to strengthen the connection between the Verkhovna Rada and relevant committees in the EP, as well as facilitate administrative work.

Each EU member state has a liaison office to support the EP in working with those countries, such as liaising with stakeholders, organising events and maintaining relations with local media.

According to the document, the EP has only opened a few of its offices in cities outside Europe, including New York (USA), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and Jakarta (Indonesia), where it has staff to support EU delegations.

An EU delegation in any country outside the European Union acts as the EU's diplomatic mission in that territory under the auspices of the European External Action Service (EEAS).

World - European Parliament opens office in Ukraine at Zelensky's request — European Parliament President Roberta Metsola (left) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet on March 4, 2023, in the western city of Lviv. Photo: Polskie Radio

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has been a consistent voice of support for Ukraine since Russia began its military campaign in the Eastern European country in February 2022.

Last year, the EP awarded the Sakharov Prize for freedom of speech to the people of Ukraine and its leader, President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The document explains that Mr Zelensky personally asked Ms Metsola to establish an EP representative office in Ukraine, when she visited the Lviv region in the west of the country in early March. The issue was also raised by Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk in late April.

According to the document seen by Euractiv, the EP's presence in the capital Kiev will ensure that EP bodies “are regularly informed about ongoing issues and processes”, not only in Ukraine but also in “Eastern Partnership countries”.

In another development, European Council President Charles Michel said during his visit to Kiev on November 21 that he expects the EU Summit in December to make a positive decision on starting negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.

Earlier, on November 8, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced a recommendation to the EU Council to start negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine on the admission of these two countries and to grant Georgia candidate status.

The recommendation to start negotiations comes with the emphasis that Ukraine must meet a number of conditions. Asked whether it was possible for Ukraine to join the EU by at least 2030, the head of the European Commission said the process was not determined by a date .

Minh Duc (According to Euractiv, TASS)

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