On 5 February, ALDE Party member Kustība “Par!” in Latvia announced Ivanna Volochiy will be the party’s lead candidate for the European elections in June.
Volochiy, originally from Ukraine, also holds Belgian citizenship and currently works with Renew Europe Group as Community Manager, where she contributes to the Parliamentary Contact Group on Ukraine.
"Ivanna will represent the interests of her Latvian constituents in the Parliament and will be the voice of Ukraine in Europe. She will pursue Latvia's national interests - the security of our country through the victory of Ukraine and the enlargement of Europe," said a party statement.
“In these elections, we must preserve a European Parliament that is capable of acting, where pro-European forces are able to neutralise radicals, populists and Putinists. This can only be done by a centrist majority, with our political family at its core: the centrist Renew Europe Group and ALDE Party.”
Volochiy added: “The time has come for Ukraine to become part of the European family to which it has always belonged, both spiritually and historically. And I am proud to join forces with Latvians to make it happen.
"Latvians can become the first EU country to put a true Ukrainian voice at the heart of the European legislative process, where we can work together today to secure a peaceful and prosperous tomorrow for our children.”
Other members on the party’s list for the European elections include party co-chairs Inese Voika and Laima Geikina, as well as Executive Director Miks Celmiņš.
The party will campaign for the EU to establish a Health and Defence Union, and to come up with closely coordinated social policies on education and welfare.
The European elections in Latvia will be held on 8 June, as voters will head to the polls to elect nine MEPs.
Photo: Kustība “Par!”