The 24th EU-Ukraine Summit is underway in Kyiv with the participation of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
Welcoming the EU representatives to Ukraine, the Head of State thanked them for the fact that the European team had found an opportunity to come to Kyiv in such a format despite the full-scale aggression of Russia.
"And despite the sounds of the siren, I want to thank you for not being afraid of these sounds and for being on the side of good together with us in this war," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President thanked for the support provided by the EU to Ukraine over the past year.
"Today's Summit is the 24th EU-Ukraine Summit. This is a powerful symbol that we will overcome any obstacles to strengthen our partnership and integration," he added.
According to the Head of State, in addition to symbolism, this Summit has a practical meaning: Ukraine is completing the implementation of seven recommendations of the European Commission on our country’s acquisition of the status of candidate for accession to the EU.
Also, according to the President, today the parties will consider the steps for the near future that are necessary for both Ukraine and the entire European community.
"This spring, we expect an interim assessment by the European Commission of our progress, which was achieved in extremely difficult conditions of confronting Russian terror and full-scale invasion. I am confident that what Ukraine has achieved deserves a positive assessment," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The Head of State expressed gratitude for the presentation of the Analytical Report on the implementation of EU acquis by Ukraine. It will become the basis for the preparation of the national plan of adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to the European one.
"Our goal is absolutely clear - to start negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the European Union. And I believe that the EU will also be ready for negotiations on Ukraine's accession this year," the President emphasized.
He offered to agree upon an algorithm for joint actions today in order not to lose a single day in bringing Ukraine and the European Union closer together.
The President of the European Council noted that the main goal of this Summit is to send a message to the Ukrainian state and people about unity, as well as about Ukraine's future in the EU.
Charles Michel recalled that in June 2022, Ukraine was granted the status of a candidate for membership in the European Union, and our country is moving quite rapidly along the European integration path.
"You can count on us. We will support your efforts. And the European Council is here to regularly analyze what needs to be done on the way to accession," he said.
According to the President of the European Council, financial, military and humanitarian support for Ukraine, encouragement of EU states to enhance their operational capabilities, and sanctions policy against Russia are very important now.
Charles Michel also emphasized the importance of bringing to justice those responsible for crimes committed against Ukraine and Ukrainians during this war.
"Today, the sound of air alert reminds us that you are confronting a brutal aggressor. But the fact that during this war we are still here and discussing the future of Ukraine demonstrates that we are much stronger than this aggressor. And it will stay that way," Ursula von der Leyen said.
She also positively assessed the progress made by Ukraine in implementing the seven recommendations of the European Commission and expressed hope for further rapid progress.
