In the first half of this year, we should start actual negotiations on our accession to the EU
russian frozen assets should work for the victory and recovery of Ukraine. This was emphasised by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at a Government session on 22 March.
He summed up the results of the Government team’s visit to Brussels and noted that there were important victories in several areas.
“Step by step, we are getting closer to making the russian assets frozen in the EU work for the victory and recovery of Ukraine. The first step is the transfer of proceeds from frozen assets. The next step is full confiscation. We are looking for optimal solutions,” the Prime Minister said.
In addition, Europe is creating a new Fund for military support for Ukraine, which will provide an additional EUR 5 billion this year.
Among other results, Ukraine has received EUR 4.5 billion from the EU to finance the budget deficit. Another EUR 1.5 billion will be received in April. In total, Ukraine expects to receive EUR 16 billion from the European Union this year.
“On Monday, our Government approved the Plan for the Ukraine Facility. On Wednesday, I personally handed it over to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. We are waiting for its approval by the European side. This plan will significantly accelerate our path to the EU,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the overall progress in the implementation of the Association Agreement is 77%, which is 5% more than in the previous year.
“In the first half of this year, we have to start actual negotiations on our accession. We have a negotiating framework in place. We expect it to be approved in the near future. Negotiations will take place simultaneously with sectoral integration. The key thing for us now is to extend the ‘economic visa-free regime’, i.e. duty-free trade with the EU. We have a preliminary agreement. We continue to defend the interests of Ukraine and our producers,” the Prime Minister stressed.
According to Denys Shmyhal, Europe is now more aware of the threat posed by russian barbarians than ever before. Ukraine converts this into assistance: weapons, finance, russian assets, sanctions, and European integration.
“There are many topics and nuances, but we are moving quickly in all directions. This is necessary for the sustainability, victory and recovery of Ukraine. We are grateful to the European Union, European leaders and peoples of Europe for their solidarity and support,” the Prime Minister concluded.