PN MEPs question abstention in Ukraine association agreement vote

The PN delegation to the European Parliament have expressed pride in their contribution to yesterday's vote on the association agreement with Ukraine.

The vote took place yesterday in Strasbourg and MEPs backed the agreement with 535 votes in favour, 127 against and 35 abstentions, which included the head of the PL delegation Alfred Sant.

The agreement includes a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA).The deal will establish a deep political association and economic integration between the EU and Ukraine and provide for mutual free market access.

Head of the PN delegation David Casa said, “The Ukrainian people have suffered greatly as a result of their quest to seek greater ties with the European Union. It was the very Association Agreement we voted on yesterday that triggered the turmoil and bloodshed last year leading to the overthrowing of Viktor Yanukovych”.

“As a small country on Europe’s periphery Maltese MEPs should be all the more sensitive to Ukraine’s plight. We should be informed of the reason for the abstention of Labour’s head of delegation. The Prime Minister should also state whether he supports this position,” he said.

MEP Roberta Metsola said, "I am proud to have voted for such a historic, ground-breaking agreement. It is unfortunate that the far-right and the far-left factions in the European Parliament have decided to vote against, but I am pleased these efforts were defeated and that the Agreement passed with a huge majority of MEPs voting in favour."

MEP Therese Comodini Cachia stated, “Yesterday's vote in favour of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement reflects the choice of Ukrainians in favour of Europe; a choice for which they are willing to risk even their safety and life. This choice reflects the aspiration of an independent country that wants to contribute to Europe. I am glad to have voted in favour”.