Changes from report parliamentary committee draft to plenary report

Change 8

AddedEXPLANATORY STATEMENT

AddedAs rapporteur for this important initiative, I am pleased to present a report that reflects a permanent and steadfast strategic commitment to Ukraine by the European Union. The report takes stock of the state of play of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and EU long term financial support as well as of EU sanctions regime and EU accession negotiations over the last year. It reviews Ukraine's progress, against the backdrop of the ongoing war, in the following areas: democracy and democratic institutions, rule of law and judicial reforms, fight against corruption, fundamental freedoms and human rights, the role of civil society, single market integration, defence cooperation with the EU, regional and good neighbourly relations, socio-economic reforms, energy, transport and sustainable development. It praises where possible and encourages where necessary. The reforms, which are the centre piece of the report, are crucial for the preparation of Ukraine to meet the requirements of EU membership. It is therefore imperative that in the lifecycle of this report the negotiations on EU accession of Ukraine begin. In the amendments phase additional aspects and updates improved and complimented the draft report