Ukraine: President von der Leyen and commissioners continue outreach to partners affected by the Russian invasion

Since last week, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (pictured) and Commissioners have been and are continuing their extensive outreach and trips to the EU member states and partners most affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, notably because they are geographically close to the conflict. As of 3 March, President von der Leyen is in Romania and Slovakia to discuss how to best support the EU member states who are welcoming those fleeing the war in Ukraine.

The Commission president was in Bucharest to meet the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis. They gave a joint press conference, which you can watch here, and you can read the President's remarks here. This afternoon, President von der Leyen will be in Bratislava where she will meet President Zuzana Čaputová and Prime Minister Eduard Heger. Her remarks will be published here. High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell and Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi were in the Republic of Moldova on 2 and 3 March.

Watch their joint press conference with President Sandu here. Commissioner Janez Lenarčič was also in Moldova on 3 March, after having been in Poland on 2 March together with Commissioner Ylva Johansson to assess the situation on the ground and the assistance and coordination needs for providing protection to people fleeing the war in Ukraine. Watch their press conference at the Polish-Ukrainian border here. This follows Commissioner Johansson's visits to Romania and Slovakia on Monday and Tuesday, where she held a press conference which is available here, and her visit to Poland on 21 February.

Furthermore, Vice President Margaritis Schinas is in Vienna since 2 March, and gave a press conference, which you can watch here. Tomorrow, the Vice-President will be in Hungary and will visit the Ukrainian border in Záhony. He will then travel to Budapest and meet with Sandor Pintér, Hungarian Minister of the Interior; and with Davor Božinović, Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior. The vice president's statement at the border was transmitted on EbS.

Commissioner Thierry Breton has been in Estonia since 2 March, will travel to Latvia today, and be in Vilnius tomorrow, to discuss defence, cybersecurity, disinformation and the impact of the conflict on the Single Market. Follow his joint press conference with Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė today (4 March) morning live on EbS.

On 25 February, President von der Leyen also participated in the Bucharest Nine Summit hosted in Warsaw by the Presidents of Poland and Romania. The Commission has put forward a wide-ranging and unprecedented package of measures in response to Russia's acts of aggression on Ukraine's territorial integrity, which includes massive sanctions as well as quick and effective assistance to people fleeing the war in Ukraine. More information is available here.

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