Let me start by reading out the title of this debate: "EU position on the proposed plan and the EU engagement towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine."
The word 'peace' is there in the title, contrary to what some Patriot members were claiming.
Because a just and lasting peace for Ukraine is what we want to achieve.
Not capitulation for Ukraine.
A just and lasting peace for Ukraine that respects its sovereignty and territorial integrity, does not set restrictions on Ukraine's defence capabilities which would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attacks.
A peace which ensures real security for Ukraine and Europe, not just serves as a prelude for further wars.
Because Russia is openly talking about invading other countries, including EU and NATO countries.
And, if Russia will feel in any way vindicated regarding their aggression in Ukraine, it will only encourage more aggression.
Strong and coordinated European engagement has yielded constructive progress in negotiations for a Ukraine peace plan.
This included a solid European presence during discussions with Ukraine and the United States in Geneva, with participation notably by representatives of the European Commission.
We welcome the progress made at meetings between the US and Ukraine in Geneva.
As the joint statement makes clear, this was a major stop towards a just and lasting peace.
So, we commend the significant efforts of President Trump and Zelensky, and their teams.
There are issues still to be resolved, and we stand ready to continue to support this process.
And we have made clear the centrality of the European Union in securing peace for Ukraine must be fully reflected in any credible plan.
As we move forward, we must remain united and keep placing Ukraine's best interests at the centre of our efforts.
This is also about the security of our entire continent, now and in the future.
Intensive European engagement will continue on all fronts to secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
Europe has been at the forefront of supporting Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
In total, the European Union and its Member States have provided €187 billion in support.
And Ukraine is facing very sizable financing needs in the coming two years.
The Commission has recently provided the options paper on how to ensure this support.
However, our options are limited by the fact that Ukraine is facing debt sustainability issues.
So, we cannot jus provide another loan.
Our support must come with strong grant-like features.
The option of the reparations loan can provide this kind of support without putting substantial fiscal burden on EU and its Member States.
As President von der Leyen has just said, we cannot see a scenario in which the European taxpayers alone pays the bill.
This is Russia's war.
And Russia is under an obligation to compensate Ukraine for the damages it has caused.
That is why, under the European Union's leadership, already in 2024, G7 Members unlocked €45 billion in additional funding for Ukraine under the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) initiative.
These G7 loans will be repaid using the profits generated by the immobilised Russian Central Bank assets in the EU.
The implementation of the existing ERA loans is progressing well.
A total of €30.9 billion has already been disbursed by G7 partners.
The EU, with the last disbursement earlier this month, has now delivered its entire €18.1 billion contribution under this initiative to Kyiv.
It also marks an important step: Russia is already beginning to pay for the destruction it has caused in Ukraine.
But we cannot stop here.
Ukraine's financing needs are not only sizable, but alsourgent.
So, we cannot continue endless discussions about options for future funding.
We must take concrete decisions.
The Commission is ready to present the legal text.
To conclude, I would thank the European Parliament for its strong and unwavering support for Ukraine.
For the sake of Ukraine itself and the sake of the security of our entire continent.
Ukraine has chosen a European destiny.
Ukraine's future lies in the European Union.
This is not only a matter of destiny.
This is a core and essential part of any security guarantee framework.
And we will do everything to deliver it together.
