Brussels, Belgium. Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said on Wednesday the war in Ukraine is “a test for European values” and a key factor for European stability. He made the remarks to the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee (Afet).
Remarks to the European Parliament
Kombos said the war is “a test for European values, a determining factor for the stability of Europe, and a testing ground for European economies.” He added that “sovereignty and territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders are under attack,” and likened the situation in Ukraine to that of Cyprus.
Cyprus position and EU support for Ukraine
Kombos said Cyprus “has experienced this and continues to experience it,” despite being a European Union member state, “from a country which remains a candidate for membership.” He said the EU “supports Ukraine across the spectrum, including through sanctions and through strong measures,” and said this would remain the goal of the Cypriot government during its six-month term holding the Council of the EU’s rotating presidency.
EU loan and timeline
Kombos referred to the €90 billion loan offered by the EU to Ukraine, which was ratified by the European Parliament last week. He said the Cypriot government was ready to facilitate rapid completion of the process of providing the funds by April.
Zelenskiy visit and sanctions enforcement
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited Cyprus earlier this month and said Ukraine was working to make as much progress as possible on opening negotiating clusters and on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. Zelenskiy met Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and said they discussed strengthening sanctions against Russia, which he said must remain in place as long as Russia’s aggression and occupation continue.
EU sanctions package
Christodoulides said at last month’s European Council summit that the EU must “confront” countries attempting to help Russia evade sanctions imposed over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The EU unveiled its 19th round of sanctions against Russia in October last year, including a full ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), set to take effect on January 1, 2027, for long-term contracts and “within six months” for short-term contracts.
What impact do you think continued EU sanctions will have on efforts to support Ukraine?
