Italian lawmakers are listening to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's speech via video conference on the 22nd (local time). Photo by EPA Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a speech to the Italian Parliament via video conference on the 22nd (local time). Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi responded by expressing support for Ukraine's accession to the European Union (EU).
According to major foreign media on the day, Prime Minister Draghi condemned Russia's expansionism and stated his support for Ukraine's EU membership in its stand against Russia.
Prime Minister Draghi said, "Ukraine is not just defending itself," adding, "Ukraine is defending our peace, freedom, and security." He continued, "Ukraine is protecting the multinational order based on the rule of law and human rights that we have painstakingly built since the war."
He also said, "Italy wants Ukraine to join the EU," and added, "I want to tell President Zelensky that Italy will stand by Ukraine throughout the EU accession process."
However, Prime Minister Draghi did not specify the timing of Ukraine's accession, as there are many hurdles to overcome for Ukraine to join the EU.
Ukraine's EU accession could provoke Russia and worsen the situation. While Russian President Vladimir Putin has clearly opposed Ukraine's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), he has not made any specific remarks regarding EU membership. Above all, Ukraine must meet various accession criteria such as the rule of law and market economy to join the EU. Currently, many EU member states are cautious about Ukraine's accession.
Prime Minister Draghi also emphasized that reforms for functional integration are necessary for Ukraine to join the EU.
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi expressed his support for Ukraine's EU membership following the speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in parliament on the 22nd (local time). Photo by AP Yonhap News
Ukraine applied for EU membership on the 28th of last month, just four days after Russia's invasion began. Eastern European countries such as Poland and the three Baltic states immediately expressed support, while other EU member states have taken a cautious stance. Following Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia also applied for EU membership. The last country to join the EU was Croatia, which joined in 2013 after its application was approved ten years later.
In his video speech, President Zelensky requested that Italy make every effort to help Ukraine repel Russia's invasion. He said, "It is time for the Italian people to protect peace and do everything they can to end this war that Russia has long prepared." He added, "Russia's target is Europe, not Ukraine, and it aims to destroy your values."
Italy has traditionally been one of the Western European countries closest to Russia. Even within the current coalition government, there are lawmakers who openly express favorable views toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Italy promptly expressed support for Ukraine and implemented sanctions against Russia. Italy is also one of the Western European countries with the largest Ukrainian communities. Approximately 236,000 Ukrainians live in Italy, and it is estimated that about 60,000 Ukrainian refugees have additionally entered Italy since the Russian invasion.
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