On January 26, 2022, a joint press briefing of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna and EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi took place following the fifth meeting of the Commission for Coordination of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU.

Olha Stefanishyna thanked Olivér Várhelyi for his official visit to Ukraine against the background of the aggravation of the security situation, as well as for supporting the territorial integrity and economy of Ukraine.

The Deputy Prime Minister commended the EU's positive assessment of reforms in Ukraine and the importance of continuing work to implement the Association Agreement in order to maximize its potential.

"We are grateful to the European Union for its positive assessment of reforms in Ukraine. We continue to develop plans for next year, in particular within the framework of the announced Investment Plan for the Eastern Partnership countries. I am confident that the reform process will continue regardless of the security challenges facing our country," said Olha Stefanishyna.

The Deputy Prime Minister also stressed the importance of the new EU assistance package for Ukraine, which consists of emergency loans and grants. At the same time, she expressed hope for intensifying the dialogue with the EU on trade liberalization under the Association Agreement as an element of support for Ukraine.

"We are grateful to the European Commission for the decision to provide Ukraine with macro-financial assistance of EUR 1.2 billion, as well as for the allocation of EUR 120 million in grants. Meanwhile, we expect to intensify the dialogue with the EU on expanding tariff quotas for Ukrainian products and reducing customs tariffs on imports from Ukraine. It is important that our exporters and national companies feel an additional element of support," stressed Olha Stefanishyna.

For his part, EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi reaffirmed the EU's continued commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as to its socio-economic stability.

In particular, the EU Commissioner focused on the mobilization of up to EUR 6.5 billion in investment within 5 flagship initiatives to support economic recovery and growth in Ukraine.