Jerzy Buzek: Ukraine to Support Europe in Focusing on Fundamental Values

That was a statement of the European Parliamentarian, the Prime Minister of Poland  (1997-2001), the President of European Parliament (2009-2012) Jerzy Buzek at the 7^th Kyiv Security Forum  on Friday.

“What you, Ukrainian citizens, were doing in the past months, what you are doing today should wake up and motivate Europe. Europe and the EU are in need of Ukraine to help us focus on the core values:  solidarity, freedom, human dignity, peace, security, rule of law, readiness to stand up and give life for the country”. 

The ex-President of the European Parliament pointed out: “We in Europe tend to forget how much important freedom and solidarity are. Almost 70 years expired since the war end and today we live in the prosperous society. It is of high importance to realize that humans can fight for freedom. “

Jerzy Buzek believes that while in search for the ways to resolve the crisis, Ukraine should decide independently on the  instruments to be used, in particular, with respect to foreign assistance.

“At the same time, it’s extremely important to implement efficient reforms, even when those are not popular with citizens  and every year there is a new Government.  Politicians should get accustomed to changes. In a year and a half there may be none of the current ministers, and  a change may be the way to achieve success. .Somebody may perceive it as no way a positive scenario, however, in terms of the nation this can  be the scenario for victory”, - the former Prime Minister of Poland shared experience of resolving a similar crisis in  his country  25 years ago.   

According to Jerzy Buzek, the current situation in Ukraine “is better in general terms” against Poland 25 years ago, “due to the change in environment”.  On the other hand, it is hard to implement any reform when “society is split by difference in views on nation’s future”.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The 2-day agenda of Kyiv Security Forum offers six panels, all open to the media. Any changes to the agenda will be posted on the Forum’s web-site.

Media professionals can make use of the press center with work stations, Wi-Fi access, and live broadcast of all the panels. In addition, there is a special media corner in the conference room.

Organizers are ready to facilitate individual interviews with and comments from the Forum speakers on advance notice.

The annual international event, Kyiv Security Forum, was initiated by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation Open Ukraine in 2007. It is a platform for debates on the hottest European and Black Sea security issues. The purpose of the Forum is to enhance cooperation in the security sector between the EU and the Black Sea region, raise awareness on security developments among key players, and increasing the role of independent and non-government actors in identifying solutions to security challenges in Europe.

The event is supported by Victor Pinchuk Foundation, NATO Information and Documentation Centre in Ukraine and the Chatham House, UK.

Visit http://ksf.openukraine.org/ for more information on the project

Open Ukraine Foundation is an international charity created on Arseniy Yatseniuk’s initiative for the purpose of strengthening public diplomacy and building up Ukraine’s image globally. The Foundation achieves its goals through implementation of its key programs, e.g.: International Dialogue, Cultural Horizons, Young Leaders. The Foundation brings together a broad range of donors and individuals that care about Ukraine’s image and its future.

For additional info on the Foundation please visit: http://openukraine.org.