The European Parliament changed its agenda to hold an urgent debate on the European Union's position on the preparation of a peace plan for Ukraine. This became clear on the air of “Your Day” on NOVA NEWS. The discussion in Strasbourg begins at 10:00 a.m. Bulgarian time. MEP Andrey Novakov commented on the topic. The reason for the debate are the messages from Kiev about the achieved “common understanding” with the US on a peace agreement, as well as the news that Donald Trump has revised the original 28-point plan and is sending his envoys to Moscow and Kiev.
When asked whether Europe is not remaining isolated from the talks, which are mainly conducted between the US and Russia, Andrei Novakov said that the Old Continent has finally woken up.
“Europe has woken up and demanded its place. You take a place at the negotiating table if you deserve it - no one will give it to you for free”, commented the MEP.
He stressed that so far the EU has not had to deal with defense, since the founding treaties do not provide for money for weapons. According to him, Europe has relied on the US for too long to "export peace and security", but when America withdraws, the continent is left with its own forces.
Novakov emphasized the significant role of our country in the current situation.
“Industries, especially Bulgarian ones, are among the leaders not just in Europe, but in the entire region and Eastern Europe, because they supply the entire front. "No one can produce weapons in the quantity we can," he said.
The MEP expressed support for the defense industry financing program, as these are funds that remain in Europe and Bulgaria, create jobs, raise wages and bring economic growth.
Regarding the discussed 28-point plan and possible territorial concessions, Novakov admitted that this plan is painful and will be difficult to swallow, but it can bring relief by stopping the casualties.
„The peacekeeping process after World War II lasted much longer than the war itself. We will probably face the same here. The language of missiles and grenades will not bring us closer to peace,” he believes.
Regarding the 19 packages of sanctions against Russia, the MEP commented that they had an impact, despite the lack of a real picture of the state of the Russian economy due to the lack of free media there. According to him, if Ukraine adopts an approach to signing a peace agreement, new sanctions at this stage would be rather useless. Novakov was categorical that frozen Russian assets in Europe should go to the reconstruction of Ukraine.