Oleksandr Korniienko: Ukrainians have made their choice and are now as close to the European Union as ever before
29 May 2024, 16:21
The First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko gave an open lecture on Ukraine's accession to the EU to students and faculty of the National Aviation University, in particular, the Faculty of International Relations.
The issues raised by the First Vice-Speaker included what reforms Ukraine needs to implement to join the European Union, what society can do to adapt and accelerate European integration, and what Europe can offer to young people.
"These are just some of the questions that our people have. They demonstrate that communication about European integration is necessary — there are many topics that need to be discussed with Ukrainians," said Oleksandr Korniienko, noting that these are questions about what opportunities are opening up for everyone and in what areas, what will change for Ukrainian citizens, including rights and responsibilities, how long it will take to join and implement the legislation, and what Ukraine can give to Europe.
"It is important to realise that the whole country is joining — every city, every community, every village and every Ukrainian," said the First Vice Speaker.
He also stressed that Ukrainians have made their choice and are now as close to the EU as ever before: "And we continue to work intensively for the status of full members."
"Ukraine is now going through a very dramatic moment in our history, but at the same time a very encouraging one. Ukraine is a candidate country for EU membership. Moreover, we are already at the stage of actually opening negotiations and conducting these negotiations," the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed in conclusion.
