European integration, cooperation in economic and defence spheres, confiscation of frozen russian assets – key topics of Prime Minister’s meetings with senior EU officials
While on a working visit to Brussels, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal held a series of meetings with the leadership of the European Union.
Ukraine’s defence needs and support for its military-industrial complex were discussed by the Head of Ukrainian Government with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas.
Denys Shmyhal stressed the importance of procuring 2 million artillery shells for Ukraine.
Additionally, the Prime Minister underscored the significant value of implementing the ReArm Europe plan and the urgent need to launch the SAFE instrument, worth EUR 150 billion, as soon as possible.
“A crucial element of this is that Ukraine will be able to join EU countries in joint procurement of defence products, both on the European market and from Ukrainian manufacturers,” the Prime Minister emphasised.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared stance that achieving a just peace must be based on the principles of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine” and “nothing about Europe without Europe”.
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During a meeting with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, the Prime Minister urged the European Parliament to support the extension of the “transport visa-free regime”, which would allow freight transport to continue moving goods without special permits.
The parties addressed several key issues, including European integration and the confiscation of frozen russian assets. Denys Shmyhal welcomed the European Parliament’s approval of the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, which provides macro-financial assistance using immobilised russian sovereign assets.
“It is vital to continue efforts towards confiscating all of russia’s assets and establishing an international compensation mechanism that will force the aggressor to compensate for the damage inflicted on Ukraine,” the Prime Minister stressed, adding that russia rejects all ceasefire proposals and continues shelling Ukrainian cities, killing civilians.
“We count on the EU to use all its leverage to maintain diplomatic and sanctions pressure on russia and compel it to pursue peace,” Denys Shmyhal noted.
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The importance of swiftly opening clusters within the EU accession negotiations, developing joint defence initiatives under ReArm Europe and SAFE, and the need for timely delivery of critical military aid were discussed by the Prime Minister and the President of the European Council, António Costa.
The Head of Government outlined Ukraine’s defence needs, particularly air defence systems.
The meeting also focused on Ukraine’s future EU membership and the reconstruction of the country.
“Post-war recovery will be a cornerstone of the economic development of the European continent and a guarantee of a secure future for Europe,” Denys Shmyhal emphasised.
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Ukraine’s path to the EU and integration into the single market were discussed by Denys Shmyhal with the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos.
“I am convinced that Ukraine’s accession to the European Union is a key guarantee of its security, and I believe that together we will succeed on this path,” the Head of Ukrainian Government stated.
In addition, Denys Shmyhal and Marta Kos addressed the liberalisation of trade and the use of frozen russian assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction.