President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola proposes to include Ukrainian and Moldovan MPs in the EP as observers.
Roberta Metsola called for changes in EUto prepare for Ukraine’s accession, and also voiced specific proposals on how to deepen cooperation with Ukraine before its official accession.
According to Metsola, deputies from Ukraine and Moldova could receive observer status in the European Parliament, writes Politico. Arguing her proposal, she said that Europe should “open its doors wide” to those countries that are heading towards membership, which in practice could look like advantages in the EU single market, attracting Erasmus student exchange programs, etc. :
“We can go even further and include observer MPs in the European Parliament – these are gestures that have meaning for the societies of these countries.”
The EP President noted that she will talk about this with political groups and is also thinking about a similar proposal for the six Balkan countries that are waiting to join the European Union.
Observer status means that deputies would not take part in voting and would be appointed rather than elected, but would still be members of parliament. Although, according to the current rules, countries receive representation in the European Parliament only after officially joining the EU.
David Arakhamia, head of the Servant of the People faction in the Verkhovna Rada, commented proposal, saying that he “very much appreciates” such an idea, and at least 30 Ukrainian deputies would be interested in this: “We need to learn, see how decisions are made, talk with colleagues, “feel the spirit” and atmosphere, deepen our understanding” .
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