Stefano Mallia with EESC delegation in Ukraine

The scope of the visit is for the EESC to formally signal its support to the pro-European movement in Ukraine that is calling on its government to engage in closer integration with the European Union.

Whilst in Ukraine the EESC delegation will be holding a number of formal meetings with members of the Opposition, Civil Society, student organisations and members of the Ukrainian media. A working lunch will also be held with Vitali Klichko, the former heavyweight champion now turned politician.

Mallia together with the other EESC members forming the delegation will also participate in a public debate involving civil society and journalists.  Later in the day, EESC president Henri Malosse is also expected to address the protesters in Maidan Sqaure which is the epicentre of the protests currently taking place. The protests are now entering their fourth week with the center of Kiev still sealed off by the protestors. The situation seems to be in a stalemate with Ukrainian President Yanukovych having now signed an agreement with Russia and the protestors still demanding that he engages with the EU and makes Ukraine 'more European'.

Commenting on the situation in Ukraine, Stefano Mallia said 'this is not about Russia versus the EU. This is about the people of Ukraine wishing to embrace European Union values. In terms of the actual protests, at face value the situation does not seem to be tense although by nightfall some of the barricades previously left open for people to pass through were being closed off and people entering the Maiden area were more closely scrutinised. Seeing so many people actually living in the makeshift structures and tents in the center of the city is quite impressive. From our (the EESC) end, the fact that the President of the EU institution that represents European Civil Society will be addressing the protestors directly is quite a powerful message.'