Ukraine has already established a system and framework for further progress on the path to European integration – Oleksandr Korniienko
First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko took part in the 1st EUkraine Progressive Summit — On the Path to EU Membership and Fair Recovery.
The summit opened with introductory remarks by co-organisers Katarina Barley, Vice-President of the European Parliament, and Bohdan Ferens, founder of the SD Platform of Ukraine.
During the summit, key aspects of Ukraine's European integration and democratic transformation were discussed. The participants of the first panel, which featured First Deputy Speaker Oleksandr Korniienko, focused on Ukraine's path to EU membership, emphasising the need for a fair, effective and socially oriented approach to reforms that ensure inclusion and well-being for all citizens. The second panel was devoted to strengthening democracy, the rule of law and government accountability. The following day, participants discussed labour rights, the future of trade unions and the role of social dialogue in the country's recovery. The final panel, in an open microphone format, was devoted to shaping a progressive agenda for post-war recovery, supporting veterans and building a just and democratic Ukraine in the European context. The summit concluded with the signing of the Summit Declaration.
In his speech, Oleksandr Korniienko emphasised that Ukraine has already established a system and framework for further progress towards European integration. He noted that the Verkhovna Rada is working on prioritising draft laws that will ensure further movement towards Ukraine's membership in the EU, in particular within the framework of the Ukraine Facility programme. The First Deputy Speaker stressed the importance of high-quality implementation of adopted laws, especially in the area of judicial reform. According to him, society expects justice and results — in particular, this is demanded by the military who defend the country.
He thanked the European Parliament for its political support, in particular the Socialists and Democrats political group for its constant support for Ukraine, as well as Vice-President of the European Parliament Katarina Barley for her attention to Ukrainian issues and active participation in the Summit. The First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine emphasised that despite the war, the political process in Ukraine continues, and the government and opposition are working together to ensure effective decision-making and preserve unity in the context of martial law.
Oleksandr Korniienko also noted that Ukraine is actively working on the provisions of the European Commission's report on European integration progress. The established system of interaction between the Government, Parliament and the negotiating team is constantly evolving — a large number of MPs participate in working groups, meetings and screenings with the European Commission. «We continue to study the European Commission's 2025 EU Enlargement Report in detail. It is important that meetings have been taking place practically since the day the report was published, allowing us to exchange views and fine-tune further processes for the implementation of European integration tasks,» said the First Deputy Speaker. He stressed that within the framework of the National Negotiating Group on EU Accession, it is important that the three branches of government are always united and cooperate on each section of the negotiations for maximum effect and progress.
Oleksandr Korniienko separately addressed the issue of communicating the ideas of European integration to Ukrainian citizens. He stressed that it is extremely important to talk to people about the opportunities, responsibilities, advantages and difficulties of European integration. The First Deputy Speaker said that he personally holds such conversations with students, local government officials, elected members of regional councils and even schoolchildren, explaining what the policy of European integration means, how it is implemented and what the dialogue between Ukraine and Brussels is like.
He also noted that during these meetings, future opportunities are discussed — free movement across borders, in the field of education, employment, etc. He emphasised that it is important to explain to people in simple terms what new prospects are opening up for society with accession to the European Union.
The EUkraine Progressive Summit has become another platform for strengthening the partnership between Ukraine and the EU. The common goal is to strengthen Ukraine's European course, support democratic reforms, and ensure the fair restoration of the state after the war.