Ukraine’s course towards joining the European Union has no alternative and is irreversible. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal at a joint press conference with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi.

The Head of Government thanked the partners for their political, military, financial, humanitarian support and, in particular, for the approval of the Ukraine Facility.

The Prime Minister welcomed today’s agreement of the European partners to extend autonomous trade liberalisation measures.

“It is extremely important for the Ukrainian economy that the so-called ‘economic visa-free regime’ is extended. At the same time, we look forward to long-term agreements on further trade liberalisation, including through the mechanism provided for in Article 29 of the Association Agreement,” said Denys Shmyhal.

He also said that Ukraine was ready to take coordinated steps with its neighbouring states and the European Commission to unblock the border and restore exports and transit of Ukrainian goods, including agricultural products.

According to the Head of Government, active work is underway to bring closer the start of negotiations on the so-called “industrial visa-free regime” – the ACAA Agreement.

“We look forward to further political support for EU-Ukraine relations in the area of critical raw materials and our participation in EU industrial alliances,” said Denys Shmyhal.

Denys Shmyhal also stressed that Ukraine expected rapid progress in defence relations.

“We expect the newly established Ukraine Assistance Fund under the European Peace Facility to be effective. This instrument will allow to increase the military support by an additional EUR 5 billion this year,” the Prime Minister said.

According to him, Ukraine is interested in joining the practical implementation of the European Defence Industrial Strategy as soon as possible: “After all, the Ukrainian defence industry will make Europe stronger to face common security challenges. The opening of the Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv will also contribute to this.”

In addition, the Prime Minister expressed hope that the sanctions pressure on russia would increase. The Head of Government stressed that as part of the next 14th package, it was important to block the metallurgical, financial and energy sectors of the russian economy, including the nuclear industry and rosatom enterprises. Moreover, decisions need to be made on the confiscation of russian assets.