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00:00Thank you very much, Madam President. This was really a demonstration of what I call constructive optimism.
00:13I think you dealt with all the major issues, but there was one issue where I still would like to ask you a question.
00:24We may face reduced American engagement in Ukraine. What will be the consequence for Europe and how do you see Europe's role in the ongoing war in Ukraine?
00:43Thank you very much, Klaus. I think we should never forget where it all started. Ukraine is a sovereign country and Ukraine determined its own future by asking for accession to the European Union.
01:03That's where it all started and the response was an invasion by its neighbour, Russia.
01:10Secondly, I think we should also never forget in the European Union that this is not only about the security of Ukraine, but it's also about the European security.
01:22And the third point is no one wants more peace than the people of Ukraine, but what they want is a just and a lasting peace.
01:36What they don't want is a frozen conflict that erupts again a little time later.
01:44I have witnessed over the last three years how Ukraine is working hard for the accession to the European Union.
01:54It's amazing to see the speed in which they work on heavy, difficult reforms while fighting a war.
02:05So far, because of all this, it is very clear that we will continue to support Ukraine.
02:12We have supported Ukraine by now by almost 130 billion euros, but we will continue to support Ukraine without any question.
02:21Whatever happens next, for us it's important that Ukraine stays an independent country and that it is Ukraine that decides on its own territory.
02:38And therefore, Klaus, the sentence is still valid. We stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes.
02:46Thank you. That was a very clear message and of course we will welcome President Zelensky during this meeting.
03:00Let me just say, Madam President, I think you provided us with a clear vision and perspective for Europe even in a very difficult time,
03:14but we can look to the future of Europe with, I would repeat, with constructive and pragmatic optimism.
03:26Thank you for what you are doing and we wish you, on behalf of all the audience, we wish you all the best for the mandate for the next five years to come.