Yesterday, MEPs voted overwhelmingly in favour (535 MEPs) of the Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine. The Head of the Labour Delegation in the European Parliament, Alfred Sant, abstained on the vote.

It is the first time in the EU’s history that people died for an association agreement with the EU. In Maidan hundreds died for this agreement because this is the same association agreement that Yanokovich rejected in 2013 and yet MEP Alfred Sant abstained. What are the reasons informing his decision?

The Head of the PN Delegation in the European Parliament David Casa said:

“The Ukrainian people have suffered greatly as a result of their quest to seek greater ties with the European Union. It was the very Association Agreement we voted on yesterday that triggered the turmoil and bloodshed last year leading to the overthrowing of Viktor Yanukovych”.

“As a small country on Europe’s periphery Maltese MEPs should be all the more sensitive to Ukraine’s plight. We should be informed of the reason for the abstention of Labour’s head of delegation. The Prime Minister should also state whether he supports this position”.

MEP Roberta Metsola said: "I am proud to have voted for such a historic, ground-breaking agreement. It is unfortunate that the far-right and the far-left factions in the European Parliament have decided to vote against, but I am pleased these efforts were defeated and that the Agreement passed with a huge majority of MEPs voting in favour."

"I have voted in favour as it furthers the relations between the EU and Ukraine, drawing the latter closer to Europe while strengthening the close historical relationship and progressively move closer economicly and politicaly. Every MEP should give their reasons to the public for the way they vote."

MEP Therese Comodini Cachia stated:

“Yesterday's vote in favour of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement reflects the choice of Ukrainians in favour of Europe; a choice for which they are willing to risk even their safety and life. This choice reflects the aspiration of an independent country that wants to contribute to Europe. I am glad to have voted in favour. My vote also represents the EU's intention of furthering its relations with a country that borders with the territory of EU member states”. 

During a recorded interview yesterday standing rapporteur Jacek Saryusz-Wolski was critical of MEPs that diverted from the overwhelming support for the vote on Ukraine. He noted that turmoil across Europe’s borders is more likely to affect peripheral member states and that MEPs from such areas should be all the more inclined to be supportive and show solidarity.