The EU enlargement process, Ukraine's progress in the negotiations, and internal transformations on the way to membership were the topics of discussion during a meeting between Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice of Ukraine, and Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence of Ireland, and Sigitas Mitkus, Vice-Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, who had arrived in Kyiv.

"In these days, it is more important than ever to have friends and allies who stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. The future of Europe is being shaped here and now - literally in these moments. And we are all its co-authors. This is a great opportunity, but also a great responsibility. Enlargement policy is an integral part of a secure, prosperous Europe. Today we have an opportunity to discuss the next steps, expectations, and coordinate our further actions," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

She emphasized that the key priority for Ukraine is to open the first negotiation clusters as soon as possible this year, and added that our country has fulfilled all the necessary conditions and stands ready for the next step: "The opening of the Negotiating Clusters carries no risks. Everything that can be done to achieve this goal on our part will be done."

Olha Stefanishyna emphasized the importance of countering attempts by some countries to create artificial obstacles and finding a solution that would allow for meaningful negotiations with Ukraine on each negotiating block. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Ukraine was fully committed to a merit-based approach, which should be common to all enlargement countries.

She thanked Lithuania and Ireland for their support and understanding of the strategic importance of Ukraine's integration process for the future of our country and the whole of Europe. In their turn, the representatives of Ireland and Lithuania, Thomas Byrne and Sigitas Mitkus, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine, its European integration course and continuing the necessary transformations on this path.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed further steps within the reform agenda in Ukraine and initiatives aimed at achieving a just and sustainable peace.

The meeting also included Daniel Griffin, Special Adviser to the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Ireland, Dearbhla Doyle, Director of the European Neighborhood Unit, Department of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ireland, Jonathan Colon, Ambassador of Ireland to Ukraine and Inga Stanytė-Toločkienė, Ambassador of Lithuania to Ukraine.