Denmark will provide EUR 6 million to restore Ukraine's energy infrastructure damaged by russian attacks. It was announced during a meeting between Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice of Ukraine, and a Danish delegation headed by Marie Bjerre, Minister for European Affairs of Denmark, who has arrived in Kyiv for the first time.

The meeting also featured Vice-President of the European Parliament Christel Schaldemose, MEPs Morten Løkkegaard, Asger Christensen, Stine Bosse and Marianne Vind.

At the beginning of the meeting, Marie Bjerre announced a new aid package to help rebuild Ukraine's energy infrastructure: EUR 6 million will be allocated to the Energy Community's Energy Support Fund for Ukraine.

The Deputy Prime Minister thanked Denmark, which is currently one of Ukraine's leading partners in terms of aid as a share of its GDP.

During the meeting, the parties focused on discussing issues related to the process of European Union enlargement, Ukraine's accession to the EU, and the transformations required on this path.

"It is crucial for us to have a close dialogue with our partners at all levels: both in the Parliament and in the Government. I believe that we will build the most effective communication format. I am glad to see MEPs from different political groups, but from the same country, who consistently demonstrate their support for Ukraine. Your unity is of great importance to us, and we are grateful for it," the Deputy Prime Minister stressed.

She briefed her Danish colleagues on the progress of bilateral meetings on the screening of Ukrainian legislation for compliance with EU acquis, including the results of the latest sessions on Cluster 2, Internal Market. Speaking about the process of internal transformations necessary for a dynamic movement towards the EU, Olha Stefanishyna paid special attention to reforms in the rule of law and the fight against corruption.

"Transparency remains one of the key requirements of both society and partners. Therefore, the process of Ukraine's accession to the EU is fully open and structured, and we have ensured maximum involvement in the preparation of the rule of law roadmap. Ukraine is now at a stage where the key tasks set for us in the legal sector have been completed. The necessary institutions have been established, legislation has been adopted, and high criteria for integrity and ethics have been set for all candidates for judicial positions. It is now crucial that the institutions function to the highest standards. This requires a lot of work that is being done every day, and I can assure you that we are fully committed to continue on this path," the official assured.

She thanked Denmark for its support in strengthening anti-corruption policy: "Even before the outbreak of the full-scale war, Denmark was among the leading countries that supported the rule of law and the transformation of Ukraine's anti-corruption and judicial institutions based on integrity. It is crucial that this support continues today."

During the meeting, the parties also focused on the negotiation calendar, in particular in the context of the Danish EU Presidency in the second half of 2025.

"The European Commission, as part of the Enlargement Package, has recommended opening the first Cluster in 2025, and we expect to open it under the Polish presidency in early 2025. At this stage, it is of utmost importance not to lose the momentum of the negotiations. Therefore, opening the discussion on Cluster 2, Internal Market, over the next year is key for us. We must jointly develop sustainable solutions in the area of economic integration and mutual market access between now and the membership. All these issues are covered by the internal market, and I hope that the Danish presidency will contribute to the early opening of this Cluster," said Olha Stefanishyna.

For her part, Minister of European Affairs Marie Bjerre stressed that support for Ukraine had been and remained one of Denmark's top priorities. Her country wants Ukraine to become a member of the European Union and will provide comprehensive support to our country on its European integration path. MEPs stressed that they would continue to provide consistent support for Ukraine at the level of the European Parliament.