On 13 November, the Istituto Affari Internazionali organised an online briefing. The discussion focused on how to maintain unity within the European Union, including in support of Ukraine, despite the challenges in the geopolitical arena.
‘The EU is a family. And I, as a representative of Ukraine, feel that we are a member of this family. And yes, there may be misunderstandings between us. But, in the end, we always find a solution that ultimately turns out to be the best,’ said Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna in her speech.
According to her, given the recent elections to European institutions and the transitional period of forming the new European Commission, there is currently a certain slowdown in the processes.
‘But even in such circumstances, there are things that keep us together. Firstly, it is the enlargement process, which covers 10 countries, not just Ukraine. This process gives an understanding that we all, both member states and candidates, are responsible for ensuring stability in Europe. Ukraine demonstrated this understanding by applying for membership, and continues to do so through the work we do every day to make this mechanism and this policy work. Ukraine, which is the driving force behind this wave of enlargement, is in constant coordination and support with the other candidate countries. It is very important that the European Union remains a powerful geopolitical force, and we are making our contribution to this together,’ Olga Stefanishyna stressed.
The Vice Prime Minister thanked Italy and its Government for their continued support of Ukraine in the international arena, assistance in its response to Russian aggression and role on the path to EU membership.
Another issue in which the EU countries remain in solidarity, the Vice Prime Minister said, is the preservation and extension of sanctions against the Russian Federation for its aggression against Ukraine. At the same time, she called for increased pressure on the aggressor and for solutions to be sought to help not only preserve frozen Russian assets but also manage them.
‘And, of course, the European defence and industrial policy is vital for preserving the unity and strengthening the bloc. And we are pleased to see strengthening defence as a priority of the new European Commission. The EU is developing its defence capabilities. I believe that in this context, we, together with the member states, must act in the best interests of the European Union,’ the official added.
The discussion also covered the following issues:
Implementation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Victory Plan and challenges on the way;
The progress of the EU accession negotiations and expectations from Poland’s upcoming EU presidency;
The role of Ukrainian civil society in the implementation of reforms and transformations, and the dynamics of cooperation between civil society and the Government.
The briefing was organised in partnership with the Italian think tank Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), the Office of the Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and the Ukraine Promotion Office with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation.
The event is available at https://cutt.ly/ceJjcVXY
Source: Ministry of Justice of Ukraine
