The opposition to COVID-19, the strengthening of trade and economic cooperation and obtaining by Ukraine of macro-financial assistance from the EU were the topics for discussion during an online meeting by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis on 19 May.

The Prime Minister thanked the European Union for its significant contribution to supporting the international COVAX initiative. He noted that Ukraine has already received two batches of vaccines against COVID-19 within this program.

Denys Shmyhal also expressed his personal gratitude to Valdis Dombrovskis for calling for a fair distribution of vaccines.

According to the Head of Government, vaccination against COVID-19 in Ukraine is carried out in accordance with the National Plan.

"The Ukrainian healthcare system is able to do more than 400,000 vaccinations a week. Today in Ukraine there is in effect an electronic system of registration of vaccinated people as well as an electronic queue has been created," the Prime Minister said.

Apart from that, Denys Shmyhal and Valdis Dombrovskis tackled strengthening trade and economic cooperation. The Prime Minister stressed that the conclusion of the ACCA (Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products) remains one of the key priorities in relations with the European Union.

"I am happy that the mission of experts has recently presented a final report on the readiness of Ukraine's quality infrastructure for the conclusion of the agreement. It also noted the significant progress of the Government in the implementation of key EU legislative acts, which have been transformed into European rules and procedures on the territory of Ukraine," the Prime Minister said.

The parties also raised the issue of Ukraine's cooperation with international financial partners, including the provision of macro-financial assistance from the European Union and the next tranche from the International Monetary Fund. According to Denys Shmyhal, the Government in synergy with the President of Ukraine and the Verkhovna Rada have prepared priority bills in this direction, and expect those to be adopted by the Parliament in the near future.