European Parliament President thanks Ireland for hosting Ukrainians

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola met Irish President Michael D. Higgins in Dublin on Friday.

Their meeting took place on the second day of Metsola in the Republic of Ireland where she is visiting to mark 50 years since the country joined the European Union.

Metsola thanked Higgins for taking in 70,000 Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion in Ireland.

Speaking to Irish MPs on Thursday, Metsola spoke of the European Union’s continued support for Kyiv, saying the EU would stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes.

She said: “For 343 days now, Russia’s brutal and unlawful invasion of sovereign and independent Ukraine and the bravery of the Ukrainian people have reminded us that progress and justice cannot be taken for granted. Democracy cannot be taken for granted. Europe cannot be taken for granted.

The Maltese MEP also paid moving tribute to murdered journalist Veronica Guerin, who was shot dead in June 1996 as her car was stopped at a red light outside Dublin, and 23-year-old teacher Ashling Murphy, who was killed while jogging last January. year.

Metsola said EU efforts have “intensified” to protect women from violence, an issue she has spoken out on since the start of her term as President of the European Parliament on January 18, 2022, the same day as Ashling Murphy’s funeral.