The meeting was organised as part of the European Parliament’s Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group. Together with colleagues including Terry Reintke, Michael Gahler, Petras Auštrevičius, Villy Søvndal, Marina Kaljurand and Ewa Kopacz, I welcomed the Ukrainian parliamentarians to Brussels.
Democracy under pressure
How can leaders make difficult political decisions while their country is under attack? How can they preserve political pluralism, democratic accountability and public trust?
We spoke openly about these questions. What made the meeting particularly valuable was that it was a genuine two-way exchange. The Ukrainian parliamentarians brought experience and insights that can also help us strengthen democratic resilience in times of crisis.
Women must have a seat at the table
When democracy comes under pressure, who sits at the decision-making table matters. Women in Ukraine are not waiting to be included. They are already leading, across party lines, throughout the war and in driving forward crucial reforms.
Their experience, expertise and political influence must help shape the decisions ahead: from Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction to its democratic renewal and path towards membership of the European Union.
Ukraine’s future must be shaped collectively and women must be at the heart of that process.
