Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is ‘a dark day for Europe’ and requires a united EU response

After an extraordinary meeting of the European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents, attended by the President of the European Council Charles Michel and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Stéphane Séjourné, President of Renew Europe said:

"Today is a dark day for Europe. Renew Europe condemns in the strongest possible terms the invasion by the Russian Federation of Ukraine, a free and sovereign country, at the heart of Europe. Our first thoughts are with Ukrainian men, women and children. This is not only an attack on Ukraine, but on Europe’s security, the rules-based international order, peace and democracy".

Renew Europe this morning supported an emergency plenary session of the European Parliament next week. We call for a swift and resolute response of the European Union, guided by three principles.

First, firmness vis-à-vis the Russian regime : we must declare an all-out economic war. The new package of sanctions already being discussed should be massive and unprecedented, against entities and individuals.

"Sanctions must include the freezing of assets, the seizing of properties, the end of golden passports as well as trade restrictions, both for imports and exports. We believe this will also require an EU-wide support mechanism to compensate Member states for the losses incurred." said Stéphane Séjourné.

Second, solidarity with Ukraine: "We must provide political, financial and material support. The new measures should include increased financial aid, through macro-financial assistance and the European Facility for Peace. Support in the fields of defence and cybersecurity, humanitarian aid, preparations for a refugee influx, and extended missions in neighbouring countries like EUBAM in Moldava, are also essential", said Stéphane Séjourné.

Third, unity in Europe: "We must continue to stand together. It is the case since the beginning of the crisis, within and between all EU institutions. We should step up our fight against disinformation in all our Member States", Stéphane Séjourné concluded.