Within the framework of the Associated Trio format, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili and Prime Minister of Moldova Natalia Gavrilița met with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on November 30.

The Prime Ministers of the Associated Trio stressed the importance of coordinating efforts ahead of the sixth Eastern Partnership Summit.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal noted that he welcomed the readiness of the European Union for the gradual integration of the Eastern partners into the EU internal market.

Denys Shmyhal stressed that amid the gas crisis in the European market, ensuring energy security and security of energy supply should remain the focus of regional cooperation.

"Energy security is one of the key priorities of the Government of Ukraine, which includes diversification of ways of energy supply, counteraction to Russian gas blackmail and synchronization with the European ENTSO-E network. Ukraine strives to remain a reliable transit country for gas, advocates maintaining transit and concluding a new contract in accordance with European rules," the Ukrainian Prime Minister stressed.

According to him, Ukraine has submitted its proposals to strengthen joint energy security with the European Union, including the creation of an appropriate Regional Platform. As part of this initiative, Ukraine is committed to providing additional gas transit at a reduced rate and providing certain part of its underground storage facilities for gas storage by European companies.

During the meeting, Denys Shmyhal also noted that the countries of the Associated Trio are deeply integrated into the EU transport network. Meanwhile, given the ever-increasing volume of trade, there are currently pressing issues that need to be addressed, in particular given the development of the situation around Belarus.

"Ukraine is interested in negotiating with the European Union on the liberalization of the road transport market with EU member states. The proper functioning of transport services is crucial to ensure the efficiency of the DCFTA and the sustainable growth of trade," the Prime Minister of Ukraine emphasized.

The Head of the Ukrainian Government noted that the conclusion of an agreement on road transport as provided for in the Association Agreement would resolve the issue of permits and promote the effective implementation of a deep and comprehensive free trade area for both parties.

In addition, the Prime Minister of Ukraine stressed the need to strengthen regional cooperation on climate and ecology.

"The integration of the European Green Deal into the agenda of the Associated Trio should be one of the main pillars for the creation of a strong Eastern Partnership trio. Green transformation will require significant support from the EU in implementing reforms, in particular in terms of adapting national legislation," said Denys Shmyhal.

The Prime Minister also stressed that the EU should take into account the readiness of the Trio countries to implement the Green Course in the context of the future application of the carbon tax (CBAM – Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism), which should not become an obstacle to trade relations between partner countries.

According to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, digitalization is also one of the most promising areas for the development of cooperation between the EU and the Trio countries, and it is critical to encourage the participation of states in relevant European digital initiatives. This approach is fully shared by the President of the European Commission.