EU bishops ask for unity and solidarity with Ukraine

In the context of the growing complexity and geopolitical uncertainty around peace in Ukraine, the Presidency of the Commission of Episcopal Conferences of the European Union (Eat) issued a statement on Tuesday, March 4, expressing a firm support for Ukraine.

European bishops state that “the struggle of Ukraine for Peace will also be decisive for the fate of Europe and the world.” They also emphasize that “the struggle of Ukraine for Peace and the defense of its territorial integrity is not just a struggle for its own future” and that its outcome “will also be decisive for the fate of the entire European continent and a free and democratic world.”

In a geopolitical panorama that the bishops of the European Union describe as “complex” and marked by “the unpredictability of the actions undertaken by some members of the international community”, the presidency of Eatsa urges the European Union and its member states to remain united in its commitment to support Ukraine and their people.

They ask that Ukraine be included in the negotiations

“The invasion of Ukraine by Russia is a flagrant violation of international law. The use of force to alter national borders and atrocious acts committed against the civilian population are not only unjustifiable, but also demand a consequent search for justice and accountability, ”says the statement.

As detailed in a press release, bishops also claim that an integral, fair and lasting peace in Ukraine can only be achieved through negotiations, which must be backed by a strong transatlantic and global solidarity, and include Ukraine. “To make it sustainable and fair,” says EU bishops, “a future peace agreement must fully respect international law and be supported by effective security guarantees to prevent the resurgence from conflict.”

In addition, Eatce urges the international community to “continue helping Ukraine in the reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure” and specifies that Russia “must properly participate in this effort.” It also emphasizes that Ukraine is “the victim in this war and Russia the aggressor”, stressing that any attempt to distort the reality of this aggression must be “firmly rejected.”

As for the application of Ukraine to join the European Union and the internal reforms undertaken to achieve this objective, the EU bishops urge the EU to “advance with the extension process in a timely and fair way together with other candidate countries.”

The declaration concludes expressing the hope that the European Union “remains faithful to its vocation to be a promise of peace and an anchor of stability for its neighborhood and for the world”, particularly at a time when the contours of a new global security architecture are being redefined.

Likewise, Mons. Mariano Crociata, president of the Eat, insisted on the need for a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine and warned “a shameful show” that falsely portrays the victim as the aggressor.