Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
At a time when the European Union with its member states, institutions and missions around the world celebrates "Europe Day", today, May 9, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, arrived in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, to celebrate Europe's Day with the Ukrainians, where she said that Ukraine is part of a family One European Union. Which is a clear message to Moscow expressing European solidarity with Ukraine and the continuation of European support of all kinds, whether material, moral, or with weapons or others. At the same time, European sanctions will continue against Russia because of the war it waged on Ukrainian territory.
Von der Leyen said - on her Twitter account - "It's good to be back in Kiev. The values we hold dear are defended every day. It is therefore a suitable place to celebrate Europe Day. I welcome President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to make May 9 Europe Day." Here, too, in Ukraine.
The European Commission confirmed earlier that it is preparing the eleventh package of sanctions against Russia, which aims to increase the effectiveness of the European Union's restrictive measures against the aggressor country and prevent attempts by third countries to circumvent these sanctions, in particular by exporting to Russia goods and technologies subject to sanctions restrictions.
Yesterday, a spokeswoman for von der Leyen said, according to the English-language network "Sky News", that during her visit, the President of the European Commission will celebrate "Europe Day" with the country's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, and will affirm her unwavering support for Ukraine.
Von der Leyen has already visited Kiev on many occasions since the start of Russia's military operation in Ukraine 14 months ago, and has been a key driver in providing support to Ukraine and in defining sanctions targeting the Kremlin.
The bloc - which consists of 27 countries - usually celebrates its "peace and unity" on May 9, while Zelensky announced that his country will similarly celebrate the holiday "together with all of free Europe."