Kyiv (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management, and Equality, reached Ukraine for a working trip on 12 January 2025.
Belgium’s former Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib travelled by train to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Lahbib’s trip to Ukraine is his first as a European Commissioner.
“In the depths of winter, I bring a straightforward message to the Ukrainian people: the European Union stands by you and will continue to back you. I come not empty-handed but with substantial support,”
said Lahbib.
She also stressed that the war does not cease at Ukraine’s borders but “is a threat to everyone in Europe and around the world.” She highlighted “attacks on our infrastructure, disinformation, and hybrid aggression” in Europe. “That is why we all require to be equipped,” she said.
Lahbib also visited the Remembrance Wall and expressed that freedom, democracy, and the rule of law are values that should never be taken for granted. She paid tribute to the brave Ukrainian defenders who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, their people, and the future of all. She added that their sacrifice should not be in vain.
Freedom, democracy, rule of law – values we should never take for granted.
— Hadja Lahbib (@hadjalahbib) January 12, 2025
At the Wall of Remembrance, I pay tribute to the brave Ukrainian defenders who paid the ultimate price for their country, their people and the future of us all.
Let it not be in vain. pic.twitter.com/YCItn4f2Hf
How does Lahbib’s visit to Poland fit into her crisis role?
It has been barely days since the EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib made a visit to Poland on 9th January 2025 to inspect the strategic reserves of the EU. She made this visit in preparation and in terms of her crisis management role. The aim was to assess the rescEU strategic reserves that play a very significant role in the management of different crises, for example, natural disasters and public health emergencies.
This visit falls in line with Lahbib’s efforts to improve the EU’s crisis management capacity. The review of strategic reserves is a part of the broader initiative that must ensure that the EU is adequately prepared in case of emergency. Lahbib’s job is to lobby for a more comprehensive approach to crisis management that also sees civil and military defence strategies.
