It is a great honour to join the Congress of Regional and Local Authorities on the invitation of President Zelenskyy. This is my third visit to Ukraine in less than a year, but my very first time in Western Ukraine, in this very beautiful trans-Carpathian region. Ukrainian local and regional communities have shown incredible resilience and have inspired Europe in many ways. Despite Russia’s unprovoked and brutal war, you have continued to provide essential services and kept your people safe. Your determination and creativity show the best of democracy and the European way of life. Your strength is crucial for Ukraine’s future. To all Ukrainians from Zakarpattia to Donbass, from Sumy to Odesa, my message is clear: we are your closest friends and partners and you can count on our support. Russia’s war continuously causes enormous suffering, destroying cities, displacing families, and damaging Ukraine’s natural beauty. We are ready to do more, including through more sanctions and economic measures, to pressure Russia to stop this war. Any peace settlement must ensure Russia can no longer threaten Ukraine, Europe, or its neighbours. Together with partners we are committed to providing strong security guarantees to help prevent future attacks. As you know, yesterday in Paris, the Coalition of the Willing endorsed politically the plans made by our military chiefs to ensure strong and effective security guarantees for peace in Ukraine. And 26 different nations are fully committed to participate in these security guarantees with boots on the ground, air defence and defence of the sea. This is a clear commitment for our common future. Ukraine’s future is in the European Union — a project of peace and prosperity. Local authorities play an important role in this process. Decentralisation is a key pilar of European democracy. The multilevel government is essential to have an administration that is efficient, transparent and close to its citizens. Decentralisation reform that is giving more power to the local level is vital for moving closer to the EU. I encourage you to continue to strengthen local decision-making and build capacity at regional level. As a former mayor of my city, Lisbon, I can reassure you that much of the EU’s laws and policies are carried out by local authorities. Ukraine’s EU future, therefore, depends on active, engaged, and empowered local authorities. The EU will continue to support this through our flagship U-lead program for decentralisation. And we can never forget that an essential element of our prosperity is based on regional policy. Together, we will build a brighter future, a prosperous and resilient Ukraine. You can count on us. We stand firmly with Ukraine today and always. Now in war, in the future, in peace. And as a full member of the European Union. Thank you very much for your work.
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