Euromaidan Press
News and Opinion from Ukraine and Europe on Military and Political Developments.
Member of EU Parliament calls for increased opposition representation in Ukrainian government amid Russia’s war.
Member of the European Parliament Viola von Cramon-Taubadel has urged Ukraine to engage more representatives of opposition parties in executive government bodies.
In an interview with the Interfax-Ukraine agency, Viola von Cramon-Taubadel, a German politician of Alliance 90/The Greens party, stated that the step should be implemented because holding presidential elections in Ukraine is impossible due to Russia’s war.
The member of the European Parliament drew parallels with Israel’s swift response to security challenges under Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership.
“From the beginning, we should have made it a precondition for providing financial assistance to Ukraine. You saw that Netanyahu established a military cabinet from the very beginning, within 24 hours after the Hamas attack. He ensured everyone was involved and spoke with one voice. We could have expected the same step from Ukraine,” she said.
Simultaneously, the official accepted the possibility of introducing this condition during future financial aid allocations by Western allies of Ukraine.
“I believe such a decision may be demanded by the US, the EU, Germany, and other donors in the future. I think ensuring that all political participation receives equal attention, access, and financial oversight is necessary,” the member of the European Parliament emphasized.
She said that this transparency will clarify the flow of funds and the rationale behind decisions.
Viola von Cramon-Taubadel also mentioned incidents when Ukrainian officials were left without permission to make foreign visits.
“Yes, we are closely familiar with this issue and are actively advocating for the rights of my colleagues. It’s truly unacceptable. In essence, it’s being used as a political tool against deputies who split from the presidential policy, and that’s a significant concern,” stressed the official.
At the same time, von Cramon said she is convinced that the press in Ukraine is “free, ” although there are “certain limitations and, of course, a lot of “subcensorship.”
“It’s more like you’re thinking, ‘If I publish this, if I criticize that, it might play into Putin’s hands or help him undermine Ukraine. And naturally, this isn’t in the interests of most journalists. However, I wouldn’t go as far as to say there are absolute red lines that cannot be crossed, ” explained the official.
On the other hand, she believes that “there is a tendency in the President’s Office not to give a voice to the opposition and critics.”
“In this marathon (national TV marathon), they practically included all journalists and managed to make the media landscape almost devoid of pluralism. This unity does not reflect the diversity of the political landscape; that’s why the marathon can be criticized. However, I wouldn’t say that there are no free and objective media,” stated the member of the European Parliament.
Earlier, European Council President Charles Michel expressed hope that Ukraine could complete the reforms necessary to access the EU by 2030.
Charles Michel: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reinvigorates EU’s enlargement strategy
Speaking ahead of the 20th anniversary of the EU’s enlargement, which started on 1 May 2024, he mentioned the economic success of the new bloc’s members, adding that their combined GDP per capita is rising from around half the EU average then to 80% currently.
Six Balkan countries, Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova, are among the applicants seeking to join the EU. Ukraine, with around 40 million people and a large agricultural sector, would be by far the largest prospective new member.
Read more:
- Hahn: Potential 20% EU budget hike from Ukraine’s accession only 0.2% of economic output, yet quick membership unlikely
- PM Shmyhal: Ukraine hopes to start EU membership talks in H1 2024
- Armenia deepening relations with US, EU, considers joining EU, FM says
- “Historic moment” as European Council decides to open accession talks with Ukraine
You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!
ABC News: US top diplomat Nuland says aid crucial for Ukraine to hit bases inside Russia.
Nuland advocates for a shift in the US assistance strategy, suggesting that bases within Russia should be considered fair targets if used for launching attacks or supplying troops into Ukraine.
Ukraine to receive advanced YPR-765 armored vehicles from the Netherlands.
Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren announced during an online meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the "Ramstein" format that the Netherlands will supply Ukraine with YPR-765 armored vehicles.
Russo-Ukrainian war, day 817: Zelenskyy says Western aid decisions for Ukraine lag by one year.
Marking five years as president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the West for being extremely slow in making decisions on military aid to Kyiv.
Politico: US plan to impose sanctions on Georgian officials to “defend democracy,” leaked bill says.
The US Congress may introduce asset freezes and travel bans for Georgian officials, pushing forward Russian-style “foreign agents”…
Over 300,000 Ukrainian men have updated their personal details on new official app that also works abroad.
Over 300,000 Ukrainian men have updated their personal details on Reserve+, a new application that works in Ukraine…
Israeli activist reacts to Julian Edelman's joke at Tom Brady's roast.
Co-authors Noa Tishby and Emmanuel Acho discuss teaming up to combat antisemitism in their book 'Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew' on 'One Nation.' #foxnews Subscribe to Fox News! Watch more Fox News Video: Watch Fox News Channel Live: FOX N...
Islamabad would like Beijing to talk to Kabul on terrorism, Pakistani minister says.
Despite Pakistan’s poor economic and security environment, Ahsan Iqbal said China has confidence in the country. Sarah Zaman reports. Camera: Wajid Asad, Malik Waqar Ahmed. » Subscribe to VOA News: » Watch more VOA News video: Voice of America (VO...
The media coverage of Congressional insults fuels the behavior: Mike Waltz.
Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., blames the media on fanning the flames of Congress members swapping jabs and the NY v. Trump case on ‘Fox News Live.’ #foxnews Subscribe to Fox News! Watch more Fox News Video: Watch Fox News Channel Live: FOX News Channel...
Why are poor neighborhoods being demolished in Ivory Coast? - DW News.
Africa's major cities are growing at an unprecedented rate. By the end of the century, it's estimated 13 out of the world’s 20 largest metropolises will be in Africa. But one of the major challenges is how they can cater to people from all economi...
NYC hot dogs with Jimmy Failla
Fox News talent questions 'Fox News Saturday Night' host Jimmy Failla about his life experience on 'Ask a Cabbie' and he gives his hot dog preferences while driving around NYC. #foxnews Subscribe to Fox News! Watch more Fox News Video: Watch Fox N...
Is there a 'miracle pill' for obesity?
'Good Energy' co-authors Casey and Calley Means join 'One Nation' to emphasize the importance of metabolism and establishing healthy patterns. #foxnews Subscribe to Fox News! Watch more Fox News Video: Watch Fox News Channel Live: FOX News Channel...