New chapter of Europe’s history “is being written today – in Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, as well as in the Western Balkans” – von der Leyen

The recent history of united Europe, which emerged from the ashes of the Second World War, was formed on the basis of freedom, democracy, and equality of all before the law, and now Ukraine is writing a new page in this history of Europe.

The President of this European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said this in New York during the awarding ceremony of the World Prize for Peace and Freedom, which this year was awarded to the European Commission by the decision of the World Association of Lawyers, according to the website of the European Commission.

"The story of our Union is one of democracies, young and old, getting stronger together. It is the story of Germany's and Italy's rebirth after the war. It is the story of Spain's, Portugal's, and Greece's path from dictatorship to democracy. It is the story of democratic renaissance after the fall of the Iron Curtain. And the next chapter in this story is being written today – in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, as well as in the Western Balkans," said the head of the European Commission.

She noted that Europe seeks stable and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter, which are universal for all states of the world. These principles were violated by Russia, which invaded Ukraine and once again brought war to the European continent.

"Vladimir Putin has brought war back to the European continent. Not only is he committing unspeakable crimes with cities razed to the ground, children taken from their families and civilians killed in cold blood. This war goes also against the very foundation of the United Nations Charter. It is targeting the very idea of a world order based on international law, where all sovereign countries have equal rights, and all countries shall refrain from 'the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.' These are the words of the UN Charter. This is why Europe stands by Ukraine for as long as it takes," she emphasized.

Von der Leyen emphasized once again that today Ukraine is fighting not only for its own freedom. Ukraine is fighting for the freedom of every country, and precisely such freedom is a fundamental principle of the UN Charter.

"No one wants peace more than the people of Ukraine. But lasting peace can only be built upon the foundation of international law. An independent Ukraine, within its recognized international borders, where accountability for war crimes has been met, with security guarantees, so that Ukrainians can be free from fear. This is at the heart of President Zelenskyy's Peace Formula. Each of its ten points is based on the UN Charter and UN resolutions. The Charter must be the starting point for any negotiation for a just and lasting peace," – said the head of the European Commission.

She noted that there is another reason why Ukraine's war against Russian aggression demonstrates a deep relationship between peace and the rule of law.

"Ukrainians have made a clear choice for the rule of law and democracy. They want to join the European Union. That means deep and structural reforms – ranging from the independence of the judiciary to anti-corruption, from minorities' rights to media freedom. I must say, it is amazing to see how fast and determined Ukraine is implementing these reforms despite the war. They are defending their country and reforming," von der Leyen added.