We have interim results in the course of implementation of the NSDC decision on Ukraine's integration into NATO, says Olha Stefanishyna

Today, December 2, a regular meeting of the Commission for Coordination of Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine (hereinafter - the Commission) was chaired by Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine. The event was held in a thematic format and addressed the most important issues of the security and defense sector.

"Almost half a year ago, a thematic meeting of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine was held, where a decision was made on urgent measures for Ukraine's integration into NATO. Since then, thanks to the coordinated work of state bodies, we have interim results in the security and defense sector," said Olha Stefanishyna at the beginning of the Commission’s meeting.

They cover strengthening Ukraine's representation in the Alliance's structures, filling Ukraine's participation in the Partnership with Enhanced Opportunities with practical content. In addition, within the framework of this work, measures are underway to develop a national system of sustainability, which is regulated by a separate decision of the National Security and Defense Council.

The Commission also considered the achievement of the Ukraine-NATO Partnership Objectives in the framework of Ukraine's participation in the NATO Defense Planning and Assessment Process.

"On June 16, the NATO North Atlantic Council approved an updated package of Partnership Goals for Ukraine for the next cycle of the Defense Planning and Assessment Process for 2021-2025. 46 Goals have been determined, with six of those new to Ukraine. Proper implementation of the objectives set out in the Partnership Goals is an important indicator for the Allies of the seriousness of our intentions to join the Alliance. Therefore, it is crucial to take a comprehensive approach in order to take into account all the conclusions on the implementation of the Goals of Ukraine in the previous period of 2018-2020 to successfully achieve them now and by 2025," urged the Chairman of the Commission.

The participants of the event noted that each of the 46 NATO-Ukraine Partnership Objectives is integrated into national plans, such as the Strategic Defense Bulletin and other program documents.

Another important issue was the work on the draft Individual Partnership Action Plan between Ukraine and NATO, which has been in effect for almost a year. It is expected that in January 2022 the Program will be directed for approval to NATO member states and Ukraine as well.

The Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine also reminded of the importance of work on the establishment of the Maritime Security Center in Odesa region: "Preliminarily, among the main tasks of the Center we identify the analysis of current challenges and threats, forecasting scenarios in the Black Sea area and operational consultations within the country in this regard and with NATO States."

The next meeting of the Commission will take place before the end of this year and will be devoted to both security and defense issues and other aspects of Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration.