(English version) Priority question for written answer P-001584/20 to the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Maximilian Krah (ID) (12 March 2020)

Subject: Commission position on a Ukrainian peace initiative

On 9 December 2019, President Macron hosted a fresh Normandy-format summit in Paris. This is an initiative to be welcomed. Peace in Ukraine is important for the EU and its relations with Russia and Ukraine.

In order to speed up the peace process, Viktor Medvedchuk, leader of the second-strongest Ukrainian political party, has proposed that the Minsk II agreement be broadened to include a parliamentary dimension.

In late January and early February 2020, meetings took place in the French Senate, in the Russian Duma and in the German Bundestag. The initiative was supported by MPs from government and opposition parties alike in those three chambers.

1. What does the Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy think of this Ukrainian initiative?

2. What further steps does he consider appropriate in an effort to push the Ukrainian Government to implement the Minsk II agreement?

Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell on behalf of the European Commission (7 May 2020)

The Minsk agreements remain the key to reaching a sustainable political solution to the conflict. The EU supports the efforts of the Normandy format, Trilateral Contact Group, and Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). What is crucial is that all parties build on the momentum created by the Normandy Summit that took place in December 2019 in Paris and that the steps agreed there will be implemented (renewed ceasefire, continuing demining and disengagement, opening new crossing points along the line of contact, further prisoner releases). This will have direct positive impact on the lives of the people living in the conflict-affected area.

Ukraine has taken important steps towards disengagement in Stanytsia-Luhanska, by promoting inclusive rhetoric towards the residents in eastern Ukraine, exchanges of prisoners, in line with the Steinmeier formula. Russia should reciprocate Ukraine’s efforts. It must assume its responsibility and use its considerable influence over the armed formations it backs, to match the approach that Ukraine has undertaken in the east. The EU is ready to support this process, it is increasing its help to OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, and stands ready to provide additional funding for demining and new crossing points.