EU membership is a key element of Ukraine’s security: Taras Kachka meets with representatives of the World Congress of Ukrainians

On 25 August in Kyiv, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka held a meeting with representatives of the World Congress of Ukrainians. They discussed key challenges facing Ukraine amid the ongoing war and directions for further cooperation to strengthen international support for the country.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Oleksii Sobolev and Director General of the Government Office for Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Oleksandr Ilkov.

During the meeting, Taras Kachka stressed the critical importance of maintaining resilience both within Ukraine and among partners in supporting the country’s reforms and post-war recovery.

Strengthening the capabilities of Ukraine’s Armed Forces was another key topic. Kachka called for intensified efforts from partner countries to meet the urgent needs of Ukrainian defenders.

The discussion also covered potential security guarantees for Ukraine following a comprehensive, sustainable peace. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, robust and effective guarantees, combined with progress in EU membership negotiations, form the foundation for Ukraine’s future stability.

“EU membership and the establishment of effective security guarantees are the bedrock of our independence. Further progress and the start of actual EU accession negotiations will send a strong signal of unity to both our partners and Ukrainian society,” the official emphasised.

Taras Kachka noted that in September, Ukraine will complete bilateral screening with the EU for the final, fifth negotiation Cluster. He stressed that all negotiation Clusters with Ukraine could be opened in 2025.

The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation with EU countries, including on protecting national minority rights, and affirmed Ukraine’s readiness for open dialogue with all partners to maintain and support the unity of EU member states in advancing Ukraine’s EU integration.

Additionally, the parties agreed on the importance of sustaining sanctions pressure on russia, using frozen russian assets, enhancing partners’ roles in providing financial and security assistance, and consolidating the diaspora to advocate for Ukraine’s EU integration aspirations in member states.

Both sides positively noted the Create Ukraine initiative, aimed at encouraging Ukrainian youth to return home and apply international experience and best global practices in Ukrainian ministries and agencies.