Verhogen unveiled: the Ukraine decline and the role of the West!

Verhogen unveiled: the Ukraine decline and the role of the West!

On February 22, 2025, a lecture by Günter Verheugen, the former EU Commissioner for the Easter expansion, took place in the Parkide Studios in Offenbach. The large number of visitors meant that not enough chairs could be provided in the hall. Verheggen gave a lecture on the history of the Ukraine secretary and leaned strongly at his book "The Long Way to War". At the event, he addressed the role of Donald Trump and his influence on European perception.

Verhogen gave the impression that the Hauptsch fault at the UkraineKlieg falls to the West. In his opinion, the United States has been promoting its gas exports to Europe since the conflict began, which strengthens geopolitical warehouse formation. He criticized NATO sharply and advocated a European security strategy that was independent of the United States. In doing so, Verheggen emphasized his statesmen knowledge and insider knowledge in order to support his point of view.

criticism of the current situation in Ukraine

In the subsequent discussion, Vehired also referred to the domestic situation of Ukraine. He warned of a departure from the country from the reform course and defended his role in the "agency to modernize Ukraine". Verheggen emphasized that this agency could only act as an impetus for necessary economic and political reforms, which is essential for the long -term support of Ukraine by the international community. Ukraine is dependent on this support to overcome corruption and mismanagement.

particularly critically commented on the influence of the oligarchs on the political landscape of Ukraine. In his view, wealth is often used in Ukraine to buy political power. Dmytro Firtasch, a well -known oligarch and billionaire, is described as the main financier of the "agency for the modernization of Ukraine". Verheggen demanded that the profiteers of the current state of the country should contribute to improving the situation.

the EU and the way to democratization

The lecture fell into a particularly relevant context, since the Russian attack war against Ukraine led to a noticeable change in the population in February 2022. The consent to an EU accession from 65 % rose to 91 % within just two months. This illustrates how the war and political measures during Corona pandemic have changed the perspective of citizens to democracy and reforms. 94 % of the population consider it important that Ukraine becomes a functioning democracy.

The EU actively promoted the democratization of the country by approving accession negotiations in June 2022 and drawing up seven recommendations for reforms, which include, among other things, the rule of law, combating corruption and media freedom. However, this progress is at risk from the challenges of the war. Despite the war, the parliament remains in office and central fundamental rights are protected, even if elections cannot be carried out under war law.

Verhogen received encouragement for his critical statements about the United States and its role in the Ukrainian conflict. However, the subsequent discussion also revealed different opinions, with some of his statements remained unchallenging. He outlined possible diplomatic solutions for the Ukraine war and ended in a thoughtful but still optimistic sound.