The First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Oleksandr Korniienko, paid a working visit to the Republic of Ireland, during which, together with the Ukrainian delegation, he took part in a series of international events, meetings and discussions dedicated to support for Ukraine, the development of interparliamentary cooperation, and the deepening of the European integration dialogue.
Together with Member of Parliament Yevheniia Kravchuk, the First Deputy Speaker held a series of bilateral meetings with representatives of the Parliament of Ireland.
During a meeting with the Speaker of the upper house of the Parliament of Ireland, Mark Daly, the parties discussed Ukraine’s European integration path and expectations regarding important decisions during Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union.
“Ukraine remains committed to full membership in the European Union and continues active work on fulfilling the necessary obligations despite the full-scale invasion,” Oleksandr Korniienko emphasised.
During a meeting with the Speaker of the lower house of the Parliament of Ireland, Verona Murphy, discussions focused on interparliamentary cooperation within international platforms, including PACE and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
The Ukrainian side informed counterparts about the current security situation, Ukraine’s needs, and the next stages of the European integration process.
A meeting was also held with the Chairs of the Joint Committees on EU Affairs, Foreign Affairs and Trade, and National Security and Defence of the Parliament of Ireland. The parties discussed further cooperation, support for Ukraine, and the progress of reforms on the path to EU accession.
On the margins of the centenary congress of the Fianna Fáil party, the First Deputy Speaker met with the Prime Minister of Ireland, Micheál Martin.
The parties discussed continued support for Ukraine, expectations regarding Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union, upcoming visits, and the development of bilateral cooperation.
Separately, Oleksandr Korniienko held a meeting with Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The parties emphasised interparliamentary cooperation, the work of friendship groups, the need to strengthen sanctions policy against russia, as well as issues related to Ukraine’s European integration and cooperation with European partners.
The First Deputy Speaker also held a meeting with Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence at the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Discussions focused on further steps in Ukraine’s European integration process, the opening of negotiation clusters, and the continuation of reforms.
Referring to the work of the Ukrainian Parliament under conditions of full-scale war, the First Deputy Speaker informed that, despite all challenges, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has taken a course toward the rapid adoption of laws, ensuring accelerated progress of European integration reforms.
As part of his working visit to Ireland, the First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine took part in a discussion at the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) on the topic: “Ukraine’s Path to the EU during Ireland’s Presidency: Protecting Democracy and Shaping Europe’s Security Future.”
During his speech, Oleksandr Korniienko emphasised that Ukraine clearly understands the full scope of work and obligations required for EU membership and continues to fulfil each task despite the challenges of war.
He also stressed that Ukraine is already making a significant contribution to the development of a new European security architecture, while the level of public support for European integration among Ukrainian society remains unprecedentedly high.
“Ukraine is ready for the opening of all negotiation clusters on its path to EU membership. At the same time, the establishment of a Special Tribunal and a Register of Damages remain important issues of justice and accountability,” Oleksandr Korniienko concluded.
In addition, during the visit, Oleksandr Korniienko met with Members of the European Parliament from the ALDE Party and Renew Europe — Billy Kelleher, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, and Barry Andrews.
Together with Yevheniia Kravchuk, the parties discussed the security situation in Ukraine, russia’s terror against civilians, the need to continue and strengthen military assistance, as well as Ukraine’s EU accession process. The issue of support for Ukrainians who are currently in Ireland due to the war was also raised.
During a panel discussion at the Fianna Fáil congress “Our Legacy. Our Return,” the First Deputy Speaker highlighted the challenges facing Ukraine’s agricultural sector, including ongoing FPV drone attacks on farming equipment, and stressed that despite the war, Ukraine continues to serve as a guarantor of global food security.