EP calls on NATO to invite Ukraine to join the alliance

The European Parliament had called on NATO allies to honour their commitment to Ukraine and pave the way for Kyiv to be invited to join the defence alliance.

In a resolution adopted on Thursday, with 425 votes in favour, 38 against with 42 abstentions, MEPs stress that they expect that the “accession process will start after the war is over and be finalised as soon as possible”.

MEPs said that until full membership is achieved for Ukraine, NATO allies and like-minded partners must work closely with the country to develop a temporary framework for security guarantees.

The European Parliament (EP) emphasised that Ukraine’s integration in both NATO and the EU would enhance regional and global security and strengthen the bonds between Ukraine and the Euro-Atlantic community.

Kakhovka dam is a war crime

MEPs also condemned Russia’s destruction of the Kakhovka dam on 6 June, which constitutes a war crime and has caused extensive flooding and created an environmental disaster as well as ecocide in Ukraine.

All those responsible for war crimes, including the destruction of the dam, will be held accountable in line with international law, they said.

Need for a comprehensive EU recovery package for Ukraine

The EP also called for a comprehensive and adequate EU recovery package for Ukraine, which should focus on the country’s immediate, medium- and long-term relief, reconstruction and recovery.

MEPs highlighted the importance of linking the reconstruction of Ukraine with its EU accession preparations and ongoing domestic reforms, while stressing that rebuilding damaged infrastructure and industrial capacity should take place in accordance with the “build back better” principle and the European Green Deal.

“This would help transform the country into a carbon-free and digital modern European welfare state and market economy,” they said.