Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, paid a working visit to the Republic of Serbia, where he took part in the Inaugural Conference of Speakers of Parliaments of EU Candidate Countries. This was the first visit by a Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to the Republic of Serbia in the past 15 years.
In his speech, he emphasized that the idea he proposed during the European Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Copenhagen—to establish a mechanism for cooperation among the speakers of the parliaments of candidate countries—is now taking on clear and concrete form, specifically in Belgrade.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine thanked the heads of parliament, presidents, governments, and peoples of the participating states for their consistent support of Ukraine in countering russian aggression.
“I want to make it clear that Serbs are not ‘little russians,’ and Ukrainians are not ‘little russians’; Moldovans and Georgians have never been and will never be the ‘younger brothers’ of russians. Enough of this humiliation. We are independent states inhabited by European nations. And one day, we will all surely meet in the EU,” Ruslan Stefanchuk declared.
He emphasized that russia continues its daily attacks on Ukrainian cities and called for continued political, military, and humanitarian support for Ukraine in order to restore justice and achieve a just and lasting peace.
The expansion of the European Union was a separate topic of discussion at the conference.
Addressing his fellow speakers, he noted that Europe must complete its historic process of unification, and that the incompleteness of this process sends the wrong signals to russia, which seeks to weaken Europe.
According to the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the new wave of EU enlargement must be broad, strong, and politically bold.
«Each of our countries has something to offer the European Union: greater security, resilience, economic potential, and political strength. EU enlargement is not just about the future of the candidate countries. It is about a stronger future for all of Europe,» Ruslan Stefanchuk stated.
He also noted that countries seeking to join the European Union are not competitors but partners on their path to European integration.
Ruslan Stefanchuk also reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness to be a reliable partner and a loyal friend to countries that share a common European course, and emphasized that Ukraine highly values international support and continues to fight for shared values, freedom, and a European future.
During his working visit, Ruslan Stefanchuk met with Aleksandar Vučić, President of the Republic of Serbia.
The parties discussed the consequences of the latest russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and communities, as well as the needs that remain critical for protecting the population.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine thanked Serbia and the Serbian people for their humanitarian support for Ukraine, their assistance in rebuilding the energy sector, and for providing rehabilitation for Ukrainian children affected by the war.
“Ukraine and Serbia are close countries that understand one another. That is why it is important for us to maintain an open political dialogue, develop cooperation, and strengthen trust between our countries,” Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized.
Separately, the parties discussed the situation on the Ukrainian front, the development of Ukrainian-Serbian cooperation, interparliamentary cooperation, and European integration.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine noted that Ukraine and Serbia are not competitors on the path to European Union membership, but can strengthen one another as partners. He also thanked the President of Serbia for his attention to Ukraine and his recognition of the courage of the Ukrainian people.
Ruslan Stefanchuk paid special attention to coordinating efforts with the parliaments of countries that, alongside Ukraine, are moving toward European integration.
In this context, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine held a meeting with Ana Brnabić, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, with whom he discussed both countries’ path toward European integration, additional support for Ukraine, and the launch of specific projects that will help overcome the consequences of russian aggression.
Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized the importance of practical exchanges of experience between parliaments, particularly regarding strengthening cooperation between relevant committees on harmonizing legislation with EU law and parliamentary oversight of the implementation of European integration reforms.
“It is important to us that Ukrainian-Serbian cooperation be filled with practical content—from humanitarian initiatives to participation in Ukraine’s reconstruction. I am convinced that together we are stronger. And it is precisely this kind of open, honest, and mutually respectful cooperation that makes our countries’ path toward Europe more confident,” Ruslan Stefanchuk stated.
He also thanked Ana Brnabić for launching a new format of cooperation among the speakers of the parliaments of countries seeking EU membership and for the high level of organization of the first Inaugural Conference.
Ruslan Stefanchuk discussed the development of cooperation among countries working together toward European Union membership during a meeting with Igor Grosu, Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova.
“Ukraine and Moldova are moving toward the EU side by side. We must work to avoid repeating each other’s mistakes, move more quickly through the necessary stages, and strengthen our countries’ positions in the dialogue with the EU. Ukraine and Moldova are not only neighbors but also partners who understand the value of freedom, security, and the European choice,” Ruslan Stefanchuk stated.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine emphasized the importance of close cooperation and open dialogue regarding the challenges both countries face in the process of European integration.