MEPs debate the humanitarian situation in Ukraine due to Russia’s attacks against critical infrastructure as well as the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor, a Soviet-imposed famine that killed millions of Ukrainians between 1932 and 1933. Opening statement by Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EU - Ukraine (T)

statement

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

KYRIAKIDES, Stella (CY, EC)

solidarity with Ukraine (T)

90 years after Holodomor - recognising the mass killing through starvation as genocide: opening statement by Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety

SOUNDBITE (English), Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, The great Famine of 1932 to 1933, the Holodomor is one of the major tragedies of the 20th century. Which took lives of so many Ukranians and other persons across the Soviet Union. This was highlited on 26th November at the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor, honouring the memory of Ukrane's victims.

SOUNDBITE (English), Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Ninety years after the Holodomor, Russia is again using food as a weapon in the brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. To destroy Ukraine's agricultural production, mining its fields and blocking its ports. Today the European Union stands together with Ukraine, in the persuit to help avert hunger across the world.

SOUNDBITE (English), Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, We support Ukraine's newly launched initiative, Grains for Ukraine, which testifies to adjoint solidarity with the global efforts to fight hunger caused by the Russia's war of aggression. Our EU, Ukraine solidarity lanes continue to be essential corridors for Ukraine's agriculture and other exports and imports, bringing income to Ukraine and to its economy.

SOUNDBITE (English), Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, We strongly support the UN Black Sea grain deal. Together with our solidarity lanes, they allow to export more than 30 million tonnes of grains and other foodstuffs. With hindsight, we can draw some more positive lessons from Holodomor. It reminds us that such a tragedy can only be possible in a world in which respect for human rights and the rule of law and democratic principles is absent.

SOUNDBITE (English), Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, The European Union itself was built out of the ashes of war and different experiences of totalitarianism, and yet these same tragedies have shaped and driven the extraordinary achievements of the United Europe over the past 60 years. Today, Ukraine is transformed, as well. As an independent State, as a Member of the Council of Europe and signatory of the European Convention of Human Rights and the number of other international human rights instruments.

SOUNDBITE (English), Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, While our immediate goal is to help Ukraine win the war, we will support Ukraine to also win the peace, to become a modern democratic State. In this regard, Ukraine's EU candidate status is an opportunity. Progress on key reforms could serve a double purpose. Strengthen Ukraine's resilience and also help it advance on its European path. As a modern democracy matching thus the will of the Ukrainian people. Thank you.