Imagining the EU without Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans is impossible.

The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, once again emphasized support for the expansion of the EU and assistance to Kyiv in confronting Russia’s full-scale aggression. During her speech in Madrid, Von der Leyen stressed that almost 500 days have passed since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, during which the Ukrainian people showed impressive perseverance and endurance. “Now we must match this endurance and perseverance,” she noted.

The head of the European Commission emphasized the EU’s priority areas for the next six months in the context of Ukraine – financial support for Kyiv within the framework of the €50B plan, promotion of reforms, military aid, and the strengthening of sanctions against the Russian Federation.

“Can we imagine the EU without Ukraine, Moldova, or the Western Balkans? Do we want to see these parts of Europe influenced by Russia or China? It is impossible. So, the direction of movement is clear,” von der Leyen said.