During her working visit to Brussels on 10-11 December, Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice of Ukraine, held a series of meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and the EU.

The visit began with bilateral EU-Ukraine meetings within the framework of the screening between Ukraine and the European Commission under Chapter 7 “Intellectual Property Law” under Cluster 2 “Internal Market”. The Ukrainian delegation, led by chief negotiator Olha Stefanishyna, presented the progress in the implementation of the EU acquis in the field of legal protection relating to copyright and related rights, trademarks, industrial designs, semiconductor product layouts, inventions, protection of intellectual property rights and trade secrets. The parties also discussed the roadmap for joining the European Patent Convention, which is a key step towards integration into the European legal framework.

“Intellectual property law is an important part of the European integration process. It is the basis for promoting innovation, protecting creativity and ensuring fair competition. A strong and effective intellectual property system is essential for Ukraine to build a knowledge-based economy, attract investment and fully participate in the EU single market. And Ukraine is determined to bring its national legislation in line with EU legislation in this area,” Olha Stefanishyna emphasised.

The key meetings included talks with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. The parties discussed strengthening sanctions pressure on russia, the prospects of using frozen russian assets for Ukraine’s recovery, support for Ukraine’s defence and recovery needs, and ensuring energy security. Olha Stefanishyna stressed that “joint actions remained key to supporting Ukraine in times of war.”

During the visit, Olha Stefanishyna engaged in discussions with MEPs involved in the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee. The newly appointed Co-Chair, Pekka Toveri, confirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in addressing its challenges. The parties also discussed mobilising support for Ukraine, including financial and military assistance, strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities through the development of joint ventures, and increasing sanctions pressure on russia.

Olha Stefanishyna noted that Ukraine was making a significant contribution to the implementation of the EU’s enlargement policy, demonstrating a high level of responsibility, commitment and ability to fulfil its obligations.

During the visit, a historic agreement was concluded on Ukraine's full participation in the EU's Creative Europe program until 2027. The document was signed by Olha Stefanishyna and Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission. The EU’s Creative Europe programme aims to support and strengthen the competitiveness of the cultural, creative and audiovisual sectors, as well as to develop and promote cultural and linguistic diversity and preserve the cultural heritage of Europe.

“Ukraine is fully integrating into the European cultural space. Our full participation in Creative Europe will open up new opportunities for our artists, cultural community, their innovative projects and active cooperation with counterparts from EU member states,” said Olha Stefanishyna.

During the meeting with the EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law, Michael McGrath, discussions focused on the completion of the screening of Ukrainian legislation for compliance with European law under Cluster 1 and the start of negotiations on this Cluster. The parties also discussed the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of russian aggression against Ukraine, the functioning of the International Register of Damage, the deepening of sanctions against russia and the use of frozen russian assets to strengthen and rebuild Ukraine.

“russia must be held fully accountable for all its crimes, and justice must not be delayed. Accountability must begin now. It is important to give a clear signal to the aggressor that justice is not a post-war issue, it must come now,” said Olha Stefanishyna.

The Deputy Prime Minister also held talks with Thomas Gerassimos, Director-General for Taxation and Customs Union, and the team of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD). The parties discussed the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in the context of Ukraine’s EU membership negotiations, as well as attracting international support from the European Commission and international financial institutions. This will help Ukrainian enterprises adapt to the new conditions by introducing appropriate methodologies, restructuring business processes, modernising production, reducing their carbon footprint and creating products that meet the expectations of European consumers.

In addition, during the working visit, Olha Stefanishyna reviewed further steps in the context of Ukraine’s accession process with Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, discussed security issues with Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, and met with representatives of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR).