Valentyn Nalyvaichenko
MP, Со-Chair of the
Inter-parliamentary group of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on
inter-parliamentary relations with the Republic of Finland, Secretary of the Parliamentary
Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the EU
Verkhovna Rada, Ukrainian
Parliament
Ukraine
Perseverance through challenges
After
the Revolution of Dignity in 2014, Ukraine chose a European integration
path.The will of the Ukrainian people
was expressed in the signing of the
Association Agreement with the European Union. However, imperial Russia stood
in the way.
February 24, 2022
the Russian Federation began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russia's
aggression takes people's lives every day, destroys housing and infrastructure,
destroys the environment, and causes countless people's suffering. Ukraine
defends itself and perseveres. We will protect our Independence and Freedom.
Despite these challenges of the war, Ukraine has not only maintained its course towards European integration but has also continued actively and confidently going to join the EU. My country has shown resilience and will in addressing internal challenges, particularly in the area of democratic European reforms.
Ukraine, which is currently fighting for its independence, also continues to make significant progress on its path to the EU.
We are implementing reforms in the judiciary, fighting corruption, and development of civil society. These steps clearly demonstrate Ukraine's determination to achieve European standards. We certainly share European values.
Despite the difficulties caused by Russia's invasion and hostilities on our territory, Ukraine maintains its ambitious national goal of becoming a full member of the European Union.
That requires a lot of effort, but it also gives the country the opportunity to change itself for the better and take a worthy place among the European nations, in the European community.
Opening the door to Europe: Start of accession
negotiations
December 14, 2023, was a day marked by the historic
decision of the European Council to start negotiations on the accession of
Ukraine and Moldova to the European Union. This is an event that opens a new
stage in Ukraine's history.
The negotiation process on Ukraine's accession to the European Union will begin with the approval of the negotiation framework in March of this year. This stage involves approval by all EU member states. This will be followed by the first intergovernmental conference for shaping the negotiation strategy.
The realistic date for Ukraine's accession to the EU - several years. This is how we are adjusted and ready to work.
We understand that this process includes full acceptance of the EU acquis communautaire and constant assessment of what Ukraine has achieved.
An essential aspect of this process is the harmonization of approximately 3,000 regulations to the European legislation. Ukraine will have to catch up with what the EU has been working on for years as well as adopt new regulations. Of the 4,400 regulations that need to be implemented, Ukraine has already fulfilled 1,400 and we continue to work.
Ukraine is on its way to joining the EU, but challenges and tasks motivate us to a nationwide effort. And we have enough confidence, perseverance, and a constant willingness to change.
Economic and market opportunities
The start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the
European Union is of great economic importance. This opens the path to significant
opportunities that will contribute to the country's economic development and
modernization. One of the initiatives that is actively operating is the
“Ukraine Facility” program.
“Ukraine Facility” is a major government reform plan for which the European Union plans to provide €50 billion over the next four years. This program is aimed at supporting reforms in Ukraine. Among the priorities - fighting corruption, modernizing infrastructure, judiciary, developing education, healthcare and environmental protection.
Ukraine's accession to European economic markets offers many benefits and opportunities. The basic principle is the free movement of goods, capital services, which is mutually beneficial for Ukraine and all EU member states. Accession to the EU means greater access to European investments in green energy and introduction of modern environmental protection technologies in Ukraine.
These economic benefits are a significant incentive for Ukraine on its way to EU.
Steadfast faith and perseverance: Ukraine on its way to
the EU
Ukraine continues its persistent path to the future. We have
great faith in its success and European perspective.
Daily struggle for our future is a reality for Ukrainians. It is a continuous process of change, where every day civil society, parliament and government focus on reforms, on the development of civil society, the fight against corruption and the implementation of the rule of law.
Moving through the backdrop of challenges and difficulties, Ukraine is showing strength of spirit and unwavering will to achieve its goals. We do not stop on our way to the European Union. We are not alone. We are together with European partners. And that's why we are sure of victory.
I want to emphasize that Ukrainians are Europeans in spirit and outlook. Our place is in a united Europe, we have no doubt about that, and we are fighting for it now, shedding the blood of our best sons and daughters in the war against the Russian aggressor!
We are sure that the mosaic of the European community, complemented by Ukrainian yellow and blue colors, will become brighter and more complete.