On Tuesday, 10 September, Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine and Minister of Justice of Ukraine, and Marie Bjerre, Minister of European Affairs of Denmark, held an online meeting to agree on close coordination in preparation for Denmark's presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2025.

During the online meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister congratulated her European counterpart on her appointment and expressed hope for fruitful future cooperation.

Olha Stefanishyna informed her Danish partner about Ukraine's priorities in the EU accession negotiations and preparations for bilateral sessions with the European Commission as part of the official screening of Ukrainian legislation.

"The EU accession process begins and ends with fundamental issues, issues related to the rule of law and integrity. When we talk about the rule of law, we are talking, first and foremost, about values that must be enshrined in procedures and daily work. I expect that the new energy of the Ministry of Justice will be aimed at coordinating efforts in this direction at the level of the whole state and ensuring a strategic and consistent approach in these areas," the official explained.

Olha Stefanishyna noted that the priority for Ukraine is to open Cluster 1, which covers such issues as Public Administration Reform, Functioning of Democratic Institutions, Economic Criteria, as well as Chapters 23 Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, 24 Justice, Freedom and Security, 5 Public Procurement, 18 Statistics and 32 Financial Control, within the framework of the EU accession negotiations.

The participants of the meeting discussed the political calendar of the negotiation process and preparations for the Danish presidency of the EU Council next year. The Minister for European Affairs assured that the enlargement of the European Union, including Ukraine, would be a priority for Denmark during its EU presidency.

The meeting also focused on the security situation in Ukraine and strengthening the country's defence capabilities in countering russian aggression.

At the end of the meeting, Olha Stefanishyna invited the Minister to pay an official visit to Ukraine.