The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, expressed his sincere congratulations to António Costa on his appointment as President of the European Council.
Ruslan Stefanchuk noted the rich experience of António Costa as Prime Minister of Portugal and expressed the hope that this will contribute to Ukraine's integration into the EU.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also congratulated the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Cos, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaia Kallas.
According to the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, the visit of the EU delegation is another evidence of the solidarity and comprehensive support that the European Union provides to Ukraine. Ruslan Stefanchuk noted that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is actively working on adaptation of national legislation to EU norms. Active cooperation is underway with the European Parliament, in particular, cooperation between the committees of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the committees of the European Parliament.
"We are determined to carry out all the necessary reforms, adapt the legislation to EU standards and become a full member of the European Union. Membership in the European Union remains a key priority for our state," the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada emphasized.
He also expressed hope that the flag of Ukraine will yet flutter among the flags of the European Union during the presidency of Antonio Costa.
Ruslan Stefanchuk, separately, expressed gratitude to the EU member states for their financial, defence, humanitarian and political assistance. He, in particular, emphasized that Russia continues to escalate, cooperating with North Korea and daily resorting to terror in Ukrainian cities.
“Therefore, for Ukraine, a stable supply of weapons and ammunition, the lifting of restrictions on their use and the strengthening of sanctions pressure on russia remains an urgent need,” Ruslan Stefanchuk underlined.
During the meeting, Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized the issue of using frozen russian assets to restore Ukraine and strengthen cooperation in the defence industry.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada also called on European partners to facilitate Ukraine’s invitation to NATO and noted that this would be a significant geopolitical step.
The First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Oleksandr Korniyenko, in turn, noted that as a member of the European integration negotiating team, he is sincerely grateful for the dynamics, the consistency in the preparation and adoption of decisions regarding Ukraine. “Starting from March 1, 2022, when we applied for membership, and until today, the European Commission, the Member States and Ukraine have been walking side by side in preparing our country for accession, even under martial law,” the First Vice Speaker pointed out.
He also emphasized that the deep participation of the Ukrainian Parliament in the negotiation process guarantees inclusiveness and comprehensive discussion of future adaptation decisions, which are not always easy. “Together, we remain active and responsible participants in Ukraine’s European integration,” Oleksandr Korniyenko highlighted.
During the meeting, Olena Kondratiuk, Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, underlined that the security system in the European Union is now extremely important. It must be significantly strengthened against the background of growing challenges. After all, Russia is significantly increasing its military spending.
"Such actions require an appropriate response from the EU and its member states. They must increase their defence spending to at least 3% of GDP each. She stressed that this is the only way for Europe to provide more military support to Ukraine and defend itself.
The Vice Speaker noted that due to the war and constant shelling by Russia, Ukraine is also facing the largest humanitarian and energy crisis.
"Modern air defence systems are essential for the Ukrainian economy, cities, and the ability of children and young people to study here. We are very much counting on the help of our partners from the EU countries in the enhanced protection of Ukrainian skies," emphasized Olena Kondratiuk.
In conclusion, Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked the partners for their unwavering support for Ukraine and called for further close cooperation for a joint victory over the aggressor.