European and Euro-Atlantic integration is a priority of Ukraine's national security and interests, reads the National Security Strategy of Ukraine, which was approved by a presidential decree on September 14.

"The National Security Strategy, clearly defining national security priorities, is the basis for all reforms in the security and defense sector. It accounts for all possible global risks - from external aggression to climate change and pandemics. That is why it is critical that, along with the implementation of the Annual National Programs under the auspices of the NATO-Ukraine Commission, priority is also given to the full implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU. This strategy sends a clear message to all public authorities that we need to accelerate the implementation of reforms to achieve the necessary criteria for EU and NATO membership," said Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna.

To strengthen the special partnership with NATO and gain full membership in the Alliance, Ukraine plans the following measures:

- to achieve sufficient interoperability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the security and defense sector with the structures of the Alliance Member States as soon as possible;

- to substantially intensify the reforms that need to be implemented in order to meet the criteria for NATO membership in the framework of the implementation of the Annual National Programs under the auspices of the NATO-Ukraine Commission;

- to receive an invitation and join the NATO Membership Action Plan.

Background

On September 14, 2020, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the Decree "On the Decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine", which puts into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council "On the National Security Strategy of Ukraine" and approves the relevant Strategy.