Bergkamp: honor that Zelenski addresses parliament
Speaker of the House of Representatives Vera Bergkamp considers it “an honour” that Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky addresses parliament. She said this at the start of a meeting in the plenary hall of the House of Representatives in which the head of state gives a speech via a video link.
“The invasion of Europe was a black day for Europe. The attack on Ukraine was not just an attack on a country. It is an attack on peace, security and democracy,” Bergkamp said. She also expressed “support and compassion” for the people of his country. Zelensky, in turn, also called it an honor that he could deliver a speech in this way as the first foreign head of state.
Almost all seats in Parliament were filled during Zelensky’s speech. The most notable absentees are the party members of the Forum for Democracy. That party was also the only one that did not support the possibility of making a speech. The party will also not be present at the debate after Zelensky’s speech.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Ministers Wopke Hoekstra (Foreign Affairs) and Kajsa Ollongren (Defence) will be there. As well as the Dutch ambassador to Ukraine and the Ukrainian ambassador to the Netherlands.