Quote of the week by Iratxe García and Heléne Fritzon, on the situation of Ukrainian child refugees:
“We call for the urgent establishment of an EU-Ukraine child protection package to protect children fleeing Ukraine. Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, more than 1.5 million children have fled the country and many more are displaced within its borders. There is a need for nutrition, shelter and basic healthcare for people on the move, as well as for those who are staying in their homes. Families risk being separated and children are especially vulnerable to abuse, exploitation and trafficking during emergencies and armed conflicts.
We call on the Council and the European Commission to urgently agree an EU-Ukraine child protection package with the Ukrainian government to protect and assist the children in and from Ukraine who are impacted by the war.”
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Out now – our Group Leader Iratxe García and vice-president Heléne Fritzon have just sent a letter to the presidents of the European Commission and Council, calling for a coordinated approach on helping Ukrainian child refugees. We also call for a debate in the next plenary session, in April.
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Our members will be in Brussels next week, as we get ready for a two-day plenary session. Preparing for the upcoming EU Council Summit, ensuring the EU energy supply at affordable prices and food security in the current international context will be just some of our Group’s priorities. Also on the agenda: protection of EU funds against oligarchs, Swiss Secrets, a new decade of affordable roaming in the EU, EU cohesion policy and, of course, the escalating Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Heads of state will also gather in Brussels on 24-25 March for the European Summit, joined by US President Joe Biden. The Council is expected to agree on the Strategic Compass, an initiative to strengthen EU security and defence policies in times of crisis.
Next week we will be closely following the Tripartite Social Summit. Bringing together representatives of the EU Commission, Council, workers and employers, it provides essential insight and strengthens the role of workers as our societies cope with ever-developing threats.
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As restrictions all over the EU start to ease, we are getting back on the road. Next stop – Palma de Mallorca, on 1 April. If you want to be one of the lucky activists that wins a trip to share your ideas live on stage, then drop us a comment on how young people can shape a fair Europe. This event is part of our #Progressives4Europe campaign aimed at bringing citizens closer to the Conference on the Future of Europe.
