UKRAINE NEEDS MORE SUPPORT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE 

The European Union must boost its support for Ukraine if it is to prevail against Russia’s brutal and unjustified invasion. To that end, the EU needs to bolster Ukraine’s air defence systems as soon as possible and increase the delivery of military support, as well as humanitarian and financial aid.  

If the EU is to be able to contribute to international peace and security, it must adopt a more united security and defence policy.  The strength of the European project lies in unity, solidarity, and the determined defence of peace and democracy across our Continent. Ukraine’s survival is a test to the EU’s ability to stand by those principles. 

WAR IN GAZA MUST END NOW 

The conflict in Gaza, which has already cost the lives of thousands, many of them children and women, and which has caused unimaginable suffering, must stop, with an immediate ceasefire agreed and release of all hostages. The people of Palestine and Israel, as well as those in the wider region, are victims of extremist forces from all sides, whose hatred, intolerance and fundamentalism risk bringing the whole of the Middle East into more war and devastation.  

The EU must abide by its principles and fundamental values, condemn all those who violate them with their rhetoric and actions, whether it is Hamas, the regime in Iran and its proxies, illegal Israeli settlers or extremist elements in the Israeli government, and pursue measures that can bring about lasting peace, reconciliation and harmonious co-existence for the people in the region. 

A NEW SINGLE MARKET IS NEEDED 

Enrico Letta’s High-Level Report on the future of the Single Market features an array of welcome proposals that can help the EU economy respond to the profound changes, challenges and opportunities in the global economic arena. The EU must be ambitious and audacious in its efforts to develop a new Single Market capable of boosting European integration, enhancing competition, and reinforcing cooperation and solidarity among Member States.  

Moreover, we very much endorse the call for the establishment of a permanent Citizens’ Conference, building from the ambition of the Conference on the Future of Europe. This platform would ensure that citizens are closely involved in those decisions that affect them.