On 12 December, in Paris, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna met with French Minister Delegate for Europe Benjamin Haddad as part of her working visit.

The parties discussed Ukraine’s progress towards EU membership in the broader context of EU enlargement, the use of frozen russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine, and further technical and defence support for Ukraine.

Commenting on the EU enlargement process, the Deputy Prime Minister said: “Ukraine has every opportunity to move forward, implement internal transformations and contribute to the enlargement of the European Union. Understanding the interconnectedness of the candidate countries, we are actively cooperating to achieve a common goal and are aware of our responsibilities. This is a unique moment of great change, opening new horizons, and the EU must make full use of this opportunity.”

According to her, enlargement is a source of strength for the European Union, so maintaining the high dynamics of the enlargement process is mutually beneficial for both the candidate countries and the Union itself. The parties discussed the possibility of opening negotiations on Cluster 1 and subsequent clusters as soon as possible.

“Despite the complex changes required to join the EU, Ukraine remains a leader in implementing all EU recommendations and a driver of the enlargement process. Our friends, the candidate countries, see from our example that everything is possible. We remain committed to continuing our reforms and express our gratitude to the President of France and the Government for the expert support provided to us in order to achieve our European integration aspirations,” said Olha Stefanishyna, noting that the first French experts would arrive in Kyiv early next year.

According to the French side, a total of about 20 experts will support the ministries in the process of European integration. In addition, two study visits have been organised to share experience and expertise.

Benjamin Haddad, Minister Delegate for Europe, stressed that Ukraine upholds European values and stability throughout the continent and assured that it can count on France’s full support in the future.