The West’s weakness provokes Russia’s strength. We need to protect the future of united Europe, which Ukraine should be part of – Arseniy Yatsenyuk

EU and NATO membership are priorities set forth by the Ukrainian Constitution: “No one, ever, under any circumstance, can change our course,” stated the founder of the “Open Ukraine” Foundation and Ukrainian Prime Minister (2014-2016), Arseniy Yatsenyuk, during the 12^th Kyiv Security Forum.

He noted that there are often discussions with European friends regarding the phrasing of certain statements: “For example, ‘The European Union acknowledges Ukraine’s right to join the EU’ vs ‘The European Union acknowledges Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU.”

 “I have a request for you, dear friends and partners in the EU: phrase it very simply — ‘Europe wants to see Ukraine become a member of the EU. Here is an agenda that needs to be met’,” said Arseniy Yatsenyuk.

He also reminded us that Ukraine received a visa-free regime with the EU: “Few believed that this would happen. We had a concrete plan. We had concrete solutions. And we had a concrete result. We have proven that if we set a goal, we will achieve it. 

“To set a goal, we need to be decisive. The West’s weakness provokes Russia’s strength. The weakness of democracy provokes the strength of dictatorship. Thus, the stronger we are — the stronger democracy is. The stronger we are — the stronger our principles. The more united we are — the less chance dictators and various heirs to Bolshevism have to conquer territory, conquer the world and undermine its foundation. 

He emphasized that the European Union is “one of history’s greatest projects”: “We need to fight for it. Unfortunately, amidst the current wave of populism, demagoguery, and the absence of political will the most powerful, the most resilient project in history’s future is uncertain.” 

The political will of every European politician is to protect the future of united Europe. For the day to come, when great united Europe accepts another county — Ukraine. We can and will do everything we can to achieve this,” said Arseniy Yatsenyuk.

FOR REFERENCE:

This year’s Kyiv Security Forum, which took place on April 11-12, gathered a record number of participants — over 1000. Among them — high ranking representatives of state and statehood, diplomats, and experts from over 20 countries.  

The annual “Kyiv Security Forum” was initiated by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation in 2007. Since then, the Forum has become a platform for high-level, international discussions about relevant matters of national security, as well as the security of the Black Sea region, Europe, and the world.