“Ukrainian society has made a definitive choice in favor of European values and way of life. It is precisely these values that give us the strength to resist Russian aggression and make Ukraine an essential part of the European continent”
Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka delivered a speech at the IV Ukraine–France Forum in Paris. The event was organized by the New Europe Center in partnership with Ifri.
Key points of the speech:
- Ukraine has chosen European values, democracy, and the rule of law. These have become the basis of its resilience in resisting Russian aggression and make Ukraine a reliable partner for Europe.
- France plays a crucial role in advancing sanctions decisions, providing financial assistance, and shaping the EU’s common position. This unity enables Ukraine to maintain the pace of reforms, strengthen its economy, and move closer to EU membership.
- The Deputy Prime Minister called for further strengthening of sanctions pressure and limiting the resources Russia uses to finance its war.
- Despite the full-scale war, French companies remain among the largest foreign employers in Ukraine — today they provide more than 30,000 jobs.
- Ukrainian technologies, combat experience, and industrial potential are an essential component of the future European security system. The discussion on security guarantees for Ukraine is, at the same time, a debate about the security architecture of the whole of Europe.
- Ukraine aspires to deeper integration into the EU Single Market, to expand the presence of European investors and to develop economic cooperation that will strengthen the country’s resilience and shape a shared European future.
Watch the recording in Ukrainian: https://cutt.ly/JrMLTgUJ
The Forum is organized with the support of French ministry of European and Foreign Affairs. For this event, the New Europe Center is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation
