“We are trying to explain to the public – both in Ukraine and in EU Member States – what Ukraine’s European integration means. For Ukrainian citizens, it means reforms: what these reforms concretely deliver for people, communities and cities. But we also need to explain this to the EU, because Ukraine and its European integration represent opportunities for the European Union, rather than challenges”.
Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Vsevolod Chentsov spoke at the V Ukraine–France Forum in Paris. In his remarks, he outlined Ukraine’s progress towards EU membership, prospects for deeper integration, and Ukraine’s role in strengthening European security.
Key takeaways from his speech:
- Ukraine is pursuing an ambitious path towards EU membership. Ukraine has already made progress that took other countries years or even decades to achieve. The next goal is to adopt the legislation required for accession in 2026–2027. At the same time, the pace of integration must go hand in hand with the quality of reforms;
- European integration is already delivering tangible results. Ukraine is not waiting for accession negotiations to conclude, but is gradually integrating into European space today. Examples include the ability to use Ukrainian SIM cards in the EU without additional roaming charges and ongoing work to integrate energy markets;
- EU enlargement creates mutual opportunities, not just challenges. Ukraine is ready for open dialogue with France and other EU Member States on sensitive issues and for finding mutually acceptable solutions. European integration creates new opportunities for both Ukraine and the European Union itself;
- Ukraine is already an important economic and security partner for the EU. The European Union accounts for more than half of Ukraine’s foreign trade. Deeper cooperation in energy, transport, digitalisation and defence helps strengthen ties even before formal accession;
- Ukraine’s defence capabilities should become part of European security. Ukraine is ready to develop joint defence projects, particularly in unmanned technologies and complex weapons systems. France plays an important role thanks to its strong armed forces, defence industry and participation in the Coalition of the Willing;
- France is an important partner in countering Russian aggression. The Deputy Prime Minister thanked France for its consistent support and emphasised the importance of continued military assistance and diplomatic efforts to end the war;
- Russia is not seeking peace but is using terror against civilians and critical infrastructure. Vsevolod Chentsov called on international partners to take the realities of the war into account, strengthen solidarity with Ukraine and counter Russia’s attempts to distort information about its aggression;
- Supporting Ukraine today is an investment in Europe’s future security. Despite human losses and extensive destruction, Ukraine continues to fight and has already become an important contributor to European security. Joint efforts and continued partner support are essential to stopping Russian aggression.
Watch the full recording of the speech in Ukrainian – https://cutt.ly/wymCcq0Y
The Forum is organized with the support of the French Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs. For this event, the New Europe Center is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation.
