The second round of the EU-Ukraine Security and Defense Dialogue was held in Brussels. The delegations were led by Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva and Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service for Peace, Security and Defense Charles Fries.
The meeting focused on bilateral security and defense cooperation, including the implementation of joint security commitments between Ukraine and the EU.
Ihor Zhovkva outlined Ukraine's priority defense needs and emphasized the importance of investing in the Ukrainian defense industry. The parties also discussed expanding the activities of the EU Defense Innovation Office in Ukraine.
The Deputy Head of the Presidential Office also met with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. The interlocutors discussed our country's progress in the EU accession negotiations. In particular, they talked about the opening of the first “Fundamentals” cluster in the near future. Ukraine aims to open two more clusters during Poland's Presidency of the EU Council and three more during Denmark's Presidency.
In addition, he met with the Head of the Cabinet of the President of the European Council, Pedro Lourtie. They discussed the outcomes of the Munich Security Conference and the results of the European leaders' meeting in Paris on February 17.
Special emphasis was placed on cooperation with the United States to achieve a just and sustainable peace, as well as on the European Union's role in strengthening its negotiating position and providing effective security guarantees.
“Ukraine's EU membership is a key element of security guarantees along with NATO membership. This is not just about Ukraine. This is a matter of European security; therefore, the EU must be at the negotiating table,” Ihor Zhovkva emphasized.
Coordination of efforts and security guarantees were also discussed with the leadership of the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
As part of Ukraine's engagement with NATO, Ihor Zhovkva met with the Director of the NATO Secretary General's Private Office, Geoffrey van Leeuwen, and with the Permanent Representatives of NATO member states: the United Kingdom, Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Finland, and Sweden.
In addition, the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office took part in the discussion on the results of the Munich Security Conference “Time for Decisive Action on Ukraine.”