Olha Stefanishyna holds phone call with newly appointed German Minister of State for Europe

On 3 June, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna held a phone call with the newly appointed Minister of State for Europe at the German Federal Foreign Office, Gunther Krichbaum.

Building on the agreements reached during the Ukrainian President’s visit to Berlin, the parties coordinated further joint steps towards Ukraine’s membership in the European Union.

“I am pleased to congratulate you on your appointment and look forward to close dialogue and cooperation to advance Ukraine’s European integration. Germany was among the first partner countries to launch a dedicated programme to support Ukraine’s EU accession, focusing on transformations in the rule of law. We are grateful for this cooperation. Ukraine’s progress is undeniable evidence of our commitment to European values and our readiness to do everything necessary to meet membership criteria,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasised.

Olha Stefanishyna also informed her counterpart about Ukraine’s approval of all necessary documents to open three negotiation clusters. Particular attention was given to dialogue with the Hungarian side regarding measures to protect the rights of national communities (minorities).

“A merit-based approach must remain the foundation for decisions on further steps in the EU accession process. Ukraine is fulfilling all its commitments and remains open to constructive dialogue with all partners,” she stressed.

In turn, Gunther Krichbaum underscored Germany’s full support for Ukraine’s European integration course and highlighted Ukraine’s role in ensuring Europe’s security and stability.

The parties also discussed the importance of achieving sustainable and just peace. Gunther Krichbaum reaffirmed Germany’s unwavering support for Ukraine in countering russia’s full-scale aggression.