Ukraine's integration into the EU should take place now, not later: Denys Shmyhal during a joint meeting of the Government and the College of European Commissioners

Ukraine's integration into the European Union should be accelerated. This was emphasised by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal during a joint meeting of the Government of Ukraine and the College of European Commissioners.

Addressing his European colleagues, Denys Shmyhal asked them to review the existing procedures and start negotiations on all clusters.

"Ukraine stands ready to advance to reform itself and become a member of the EU," the Prime Minister stressed.

Denys Shmyhal underlined that Ukraine could become a strategic pillar of the EU in the areas of defence, energy and technology.

The Head of the Ukrainian Government suggested increasing defence production and offered to invest in the Ukrainian military-industrial complex, which is currently rapidly developing. In addition, Denys Shmyhal is convinced that the so-called ‘Danish model’, where partners invest in the Ukrainian defence industry, should be expanded.

"We need to integrate the Ukrainian defence industry into the EU supply chain. We need more military assistance to Ukraine," the Prime Minister stressed.

During the meeting, Denys Shmyhal also highlighted the importance of accelerating Ukraine's integration into the EU's Internal Market.

"We all need further trade liberalisation. Further integration of Ukraine into the European transport infrastructure. We also propose to accelerate the integration of our energy markets, and call on the EU to decide on the creation of a European strategic gas reserve using Ukraine's largest gas storage facilities," the Head of the Ukrainian Government said.

He also stressed that one of the main resources for the restoration of our country should be frozen russian assets.

"The time has come to confiscate these assets," said Denys Shmyhal.

During the joint meeting, the Prime Minister thanked the European Union for its financial, social and military assistance.

"We thank every European country that has chosen not just to say they are in solidarity with us, but to act effectively. We thank all the European nations that have declared that they stand by Ukraine," he stressed.