Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management, and Equality, arrived in Ukraine for a working visit on Sunday.
Lahbib had spent the previous days in Poland visiting the logistics hub from which European aid is sent to Ukraine.
On Sunday, she travelled by train to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. This is Lahbib’s first visit to Ukraine as a European Commissioner.
"In the depths of winter, I bring a clear message to the Ukrainian people: the EU stands by you and will continue to support you. I come not empty-handed but with concrete support," said Lahbib. However, she did not detail the specific nature of the support.
Belgian EU Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality Hadja Lahbib (L) and Irish EU Commissioner for democracy, justice, and the rule of law Michael McGrath arrive for the first meeting of the new College of Commissioners of the European Union in Brussels on December 4, 2024. Credit: Belga / AFP
Lahbib also emphasised that the war does not stop at Ukraine’s borders but "is a threat to everyone in Europe and around the world."
Belgium's former Foreign Minister highlighted "attacks on our infrastructure, disinformation, and hybrid attacks" in Europe. "That is why we all need to be prepared," she added.
