Joint Statement | 3 Years of Brave Resistance: It is time for Europe to step up!

24 February 2025

Joint Statement

3 Years of Brave Resistance:

It is time for Europe to step up!

Brussels and Kyiv, 24.02.2025

Key Points

As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its third year, Europe must support an end to the war on Ukraine’s terms
Europeans cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past and succumb to appeasement
The only way forward is through a real defence union ensuring European security in the face of rising authoritarianism across the globe

The Young European Federalists stand in full and unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and its struggle for peace. For three years, we have borne witness to the unspeakable terror and destruction unleashed by Russia’s full-scale invasion and the brave resistance by Ukrainians who stood up to the occasion. Now, as we watch the global rules-based order unravel, our message is clear: it is time for Europe to step up!

We must learn from history: calls for appeasement are bound to fail. There can be no compromise with Ukraine’s sovereignty – only the Ukrainian people have the right to define their future. To this end, the European Union and its allies have to fill the financial gap left by the US and not only continue but greatly increase its support for Ukraine.

Looking back to our statement from 24 February 2024, the importance of ensuring long-term peace remains a key priority for Europe’s youth and must be a main priority for the new Commission. Europe’s youth must not once again inherit a war-torn continent. Any peace settlement which does not ensure Ukraine’s territorial integrity and security will only embolden Russia and ensure more war in the future – this is unacceptable. The EU must take the lead in Eastern Europe and ensure peace on Ukraine’s terms or we risk repeating the mistakes of the past.

“Three years. How longer must we watch Ukrainians suffer while we fail to stand united? Europe’s future is being determined in Ukraine right now. We cannot afford to return to the days of global powers carving up the world as they wish. The divided Europe of the Cold War must never become a reality again. If we want to protect our way of life, we will have to become a military and diplomatic power. That starts in Ukraine,” says Vice President of JEF Europe, Martin B. Penov.

As Russia continues to fuel its war-time economy and the transatlantic partnership is at odds, we are convinced that the only way forward to ensure Europe’s security is through a united European military force and tangible security guarantees to guarantee peace on our continent. Only united do we stand a chance in an increasingly uncertain world.

Ukraine’s future will be free, whole and European. This is an imperative for our movement and for all Europeans wishing to live in a free and democratic world. We cannot let dictators divide us once more. Our task now is to create a credible path to EU membership for our Eastern neighbours. The spirit of the Ukrainian people has taught the world that, no matter the odds, united we can win!

About JEF Europe

The Young European Federalists (JEF Europe) is a political youth NGO advocating for the creation of a democratic European federation as a guarantee for peace, the rule of law and human rights. JEF Europe promotes true European citizenship, works for the widening and deepening of the European Union and strives for a more just and integrated society on the European continent. Established in 1972, the organisation has more than 10,000 activists organised in over 300 national, regional and local sections in 38 countries.