Ukraine has reliable partners in the EU who are willing to help and share their experience of European integration
European integration is a cross-cutting topic that covers all branches of government: from the Government to communities. This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during the panel discussion titled "European Integration of Ukraine, its Regions and Territorial Communities" at the forum "Life of Regions amidst War".
Denys Shmyhal noted that Ukraine had completed all the homework to start negotiations on EU accession.
"The European Commission has confirmed that Ukraine has fulfilled all the conditions. We have demonstrated well-coordinated work. Today, the President announced a proposal to develop an infrastructure for European integration. These should be representatives - from the Government to communities - who will work with European funds," the Prime Minister stressed.
He added that the Government, for its part, sought to help communities attract as much money as possible from the European Union. At the same time, the main problem remains the capacity of communities to prepare and submit relevant projects.
"This should be a priority for communities. Because this year we have access to European funds. Ukraine has moved from the status of a candidate to the status of a 'negotiator'. And this gives us additional opportunities," the Prime Minister said.
Moreover, Denys Shmyhal emphasized that Ukraine aimed to start the negotiation process in the shortest possible time - no later than June this year.
"We expect the EU to approve the negotiation framework for us without delay. We see no objective obstacles that could prevent this. We are actively supported by all European countries," the Prime Minister emphasized and added that Ukraine had reliable partners in the EU who were ready to help and share their experience for the successful completion of the negotiation process.