The 18th meeting of the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee was held in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, co-chaired by Vadym Halaichuk on behalf of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and Pekka Toveri on behalf of the European Parliament.
The meeting was attended by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), People's Deputies of Ukraine, government officials, civil society representatives, as well as experts from the European Policy Institute, the EU-Ukraine Civil Society Platform, and the Ukraine2EU EU-integration support programme.
Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, opened the meeting. In his address, he underscored the importance of interparliamentary dialogue and the support for Ukraine's European integration course by EU member states.
"Ukraine's European integration is irreversible. We are no longer merely moving toward EU membership — Ukraine has entered the practical phase of the negotiation process," noted Ruslan Stefanchuk.
According to him, the opening of the first negotiation cluster ,"Fundamentals" served as recognition of the reforms which Ukraine continues to implement even during a full-scale war.
"The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine will continue to ensure legislative support for reforms, ensure the harmonisation of Ukrainian legislation with the EU law, and guarantee the fulfillment of negotiation obligations. Ukraine's future membership in the EU is not only our goal; it is a crucial component of security, resilience, and unity for the whole of Europe," the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada underscored.
Pekka Toveri, Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Association Committee "Ukraine – EU", emphasised that the European Parliament will continue to steadfastly support Ukraine on its path to EU membership.
According to him, the opening of the negotiation process is an important stage, and the main goals remain the implementation of necessary reforms and the opening of subsequent negotiation clusters. He also noted that Ukraine's accession to the EU is an essential component of European security, and that implementation reform during the wartime demonstrates Ukraine's commitment to its European obligations.
Vadym Halaichuk, Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Association Committee "Ukraine-EU", emphasised that opening the negotiation cluster, "Fundamentals", is a historic milestone, however, Ukraine requires not only the continuation of reforms but also effective instruments to defend against russian aggression.
He stated that during the meeting, the parties discussed in detail the issue of security, macro-financial support for Ukraine, in particular, a €90 billion package, as well as further methodology for the EU accession negotiations.
Additionally, Vadym Halaichuk announced the establishment of the PCA Subcommittee on Ukraine's Accession to the EU, which will serve as a new working mechanism to accelerate negotiations on individual chapters.
The discussion also featured Mariia Ionova, Deputy Member of the Ukrainian delegation to the PCA; PCA members Yevheniia Kravchuk, Larysa Bilozir, Serhii Kalchenko, and Petro Poroshenko; as well as other meeting participants.
Member of the European Parliament (MEP) André Franqueira Rodrigues emphasized that Ukraine must become a full member of the European Union.
“This is a matter of political engagement at the early stages. This needs to be discussed so that the world knows Ukraine is drawing closer to the EU,” he noted.
Following the 18th meeting, the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee unanimously adopted a Joint Statement.
The document comprises 49 clauses dedicated to maintaining the momentum of Ukraine's irreversible accession process to the European Union, strengthening interparliamentary cooperation, and countering russian aggression on the path toward achieving a just peace.
