European Parliament President Roberta Metsola recently made an unannounced trip to Lviv, where she met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two leaders discussed Ukraine's
bid to join the EU, with Metsola expressing hope that accession negotiations could begin as early as this year. However, she also noted that the process could be a lengthy one and cautioned that the European Commission and national EU governments may be more cautious than the European Parliament about fast-tracking Ukraine's entry bid.
During the discussions, weapons supplies to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia were also on the agenda. Metsola stressed that her institution supports the establishment of a special international tribunal to prosecute crimes of aggression against Ukraine. She also laid wreaths to honor victims of the Russian invasion, including a poet named Yuriy Ruf who died defending his country.
The visit comes as Ukraine continues to face an invasion by Russia, which is now in its second year. Zelenskyy has been leading the defense of his country against the invasion and expressed his gratitude to Metsola and the European Parliament for their support during this difficult time. He also affirmed Ukraine's commitment to completing the implementation of the recommendations of the European Commission as soon as possible and to start negotiations on joining the EU this year.
Metsola's visit to Ukraine follows a trip by Zelenskyy to Brussels last month, where he met with EU leaders and made a speech in the European Parliament to underscore the shared values between Ukraine and the EU. Metsola's visit is seen as a sign of the EU's continued support for Ukraine and its bid to join the bloc.
Metsola is considered a contender to lead her center-right European People's Party's (EPP) campaign in next year's EU election, which could land her the powerful job of president of the European Commission. However, she has not publicly acknowledged any ambitions to run the EU executive, instead saying she is focusing on her job as Parliament chief. Photo by Shamil Khakirov from Ukraine, Wikimedia commons.