​Russian invasion of Ukraine, the aspirations of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia to join the European Union and the future of the EU rose to prominence when Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and Matti Vanhanen, Speaker of Parliament, met in Parliament on Tuesday 21 June.

“I would like to thank President Metsola for her leadership in the European Parliament and especially when supporting Ukraine. We must continue to support Ukraine, including military assistance, and we need to keep Russia accountable for its brutal and criminal actions," Vanhanen emphasized.

According to Vanhanen, there is wide support in Parliament for the Commission's recommendation to grant candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova and also Georgia once certain conditions are met. The Grand Committee of Parliament will address this matter on the basis of the Government communication on Wednesday 21 June.

"On the future of Europe, the EU has proved during the pandemic and Russia's war against Ukraine that it can act swiftly in the time of crisis. However, we should develop our resilience further", Vanhanen said.

In addition to Vanhanen, Metsola met with Chair of the Grand Committee Satu Hassi and representatives of parliamentary groups. Metsola visited Finland on June 20-21 at the invitation of Speaker Matti Vanhanen. During her visit, she also met with President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö.