Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas:

Most of the questions were answered by my colleagues. I have a few words to say concerning Ukraine and the atrocities happening there. It is not that the Russian regime abducted mayors in Ukraine. It also killed some of them. It is true this is a human tragedy that we never thought could happen in the 21st century within Europe and right at the border of the European Union. From the very first minute, we did all in our power to convey the message that this needs to stop immediately. I personally visited the border between the European Union and Ukraine and saw the struggles of the people. I saw millions of people fleeing from Ukraine trying to find shelter. I saw the difficulty encountered by but also the vision and will of regional and local leaders of European regions and cities at the border with Ukraine, and how they were trying to help with all the resources, in order to strengthen these people during this humanitarian disaster.

The Ukrainian situation and Russian war were the main topic of our previous plenary. We had the chance to discuss this with several mayors of Ukraine who were online. They described the situation, the atrocities happening in Ukraine and the need for support. What we have done, as I said, is create this platform in order to help. Cities and regions throughout Europe have been sending humanitarian aid. We did something to convey a strong political message as well. After consulting our colleagues, I have given honorary membership to the Mayor of Kyiv and president of the municipalities of Ukraine, Mr. Vitali Klitschko. He is now an honorary member of the Committee of Regions, which is a strong political move. We will not stop here.

As I said, the discussions about the reconstruction phase are under way. Cities and regions are getting involved in this project and alliance. We will be able to help with technocrats, engineers, mechanics and others. Help has developed in cities and regions and we will use that for Ukraine as well. Cities and regions will be involved. I already discussed this matter with President Zelenskyy. With the support of the European Commission and the Council of Europe, we will go forward and help these people who have been suffering.

I thank the Chair and dear members of the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs. It has been a privilege and an honour for me to be here today. Being from Greece, the other end of the European Union, I know how you feel being located here. I know how it is to sometimes feel like things are happening far away. I believe in Ireland. I see people with vision here. I see a great country with great prospects. I admit that I see a lot of things in common between the Greek and Irish people even though we are miles apart. Ireland can count on one more friend and ally from now on.

I thank the committee for its invitation and congratulate our great members of the European Committee of Regions who have been of tremendous help throughout these past two and a half years, holding different positions of interest in the committee, and helped to achieve all the goals we set from the beginning.