ARTICLES
1. Spanish Prime Minister delivers speech in Ukrainian Parliament
European Pravda
Saturday, 1 July 2023, 14:20
https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/07/1/7409407/
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who is on a visit to Kyiv, has delivered a speech during a meeting of the Verkhovna Rada [the Ukrainian Parliament].
Source: European Pravda
Details: Sánchez’s speech was not broadcast live for security reasons, and the full video is unavailable.
Pedro Sanchez posted a fragment of his speech on Twitter.
QUOTE:
“I came here today to tell you that Europe is open to those who make the choice. The European Union was built to prevent new wars, we choose to get together to be united in diversity, and that made us stronger. Europe is with you. And you are one with Europe… Glory to Ukraine!”
DETAILS:
Meanwhile, Ruslan Stefanchuk, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, posted joint photos from the parliament, noting that Pedro Sánchez’s visit on this day was symbolic.
BACKGROUND:
Pedro Sánchez arrived in Kyiv on the morning of 1 July, the day of the start of Spain’s presidency of the EU Council.
Unlike most visits of top foreign guests, which are kept secret until the last minute, Sánchez’s visit was known in advance, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced it during his online speech at a meeting of the European Council.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said earlier that the priority of the Spanish presidency of the European Union would be to “preserve the unity of Europe in the face of Russian aggression” in Ukraine.
2. Spain to allocate €55 million for schools and support for small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine
European Pravda
Saturday, 1 July 2023, 14:55
https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/07/1/7409411/
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, during his speech to the Verkhovna Rada [Ukrainian Parliament], announced a €55 million aid package for Ukraine, with the bulk of the funds to be allocated through the World Bank.
QUOTE: “Today [1 July 2023], my country, Spain, has decided to allocate an additional €55 million, including €51 million through the World Bank, to finance small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine,” Sanchez said.
DETAILS: He said another €4 million will be allocated through the UN Development Programme to create schools with green and sustainable energy systems in Ukraine.
He stressed that Ukraine’s recovery will take time and investment, and Spain supports Ukraine in this process. Sánchez noted that Spanish companies have know-how in certain areas, such as the railway, which will be useful.
PREVIOUSLY: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who is on a visit to Kyiv, reportedly delivered a speech during a meeting of the Verkhovna Rada.
Thanks to Spain. good on ya!