• Українською
  • Statement by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal at the Government meeting
    Communications Department of the Secretariat of the CMU, posted 19 January 2024 17:24

    Distinguihsed colleagues, fellow Ukrainians.

    Today, Ukraine is fighting not only for its freedom and independence, but also for its European choice.

    We believe that EU membership is a factor that will be crucial for Ukraine's success.

    That is why our Government has concentrated a lot of resources and energy to get ready for EU membership in the shortest possible time.

    Over the past 1.5 years, Ukraine has been granted candidate status for EU membership. Ukraine has already implemented 7 blocks of recommendations of the European Commission. The European Council decides to start negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.

    Ahead of the decision of the European partners, the Government launched the so-called self-screening of Ukrainian legislation for compliance with the EU Acquis.

    Based on the results of this analysis, we understand that it is necessary to implement about 2,800 acts of EU law.

    On 17 January this year, the European Commission supported the decision to start screening Ukrainian legislation as part of the preparation of the negotiation framework.

    This year we shall approve the National Programme for the Adaptation of Ukrainian Legislation to the Law of the European Union.

    The Head of Government expressed hope that on 1 February the European Council would make a positive decision to allocate financial support to Ukraine in the amount of EUR 50 billion under the Ukraine Facility programme.

    We continue European integration reforms. We received 4 additional EU recommendations to strengthen institutions and transform laws in line with European rules in November last year.

    We have already implemented three of the four additional recommendations of the European Union. The fourth is the Government's draft law on lobbying, which the Verkhovna Rada has adopted in the first reading.

    We expect that on 1 February the European Council would make a positive decision to allocate financial support to Ukraine in the amount of EUR 50 billion under the Ukraine Facility programme.

    The initiative is designed for 4 years, and it is not only about financial support. This programme will form a clear framework for the transformation of our country on its way towards the EU.

    ***

    More on the priorities of European integration for this year.

    We are working to extend the "economic" and "transport" visa-free regimes.

    This means that Ukrainian businesses can continue to export their products to the EU without any duties or quotas, and Ukrainian carriers do not need to obtain transport permits.

    This is not an easy task due to a number of political issues, but as the unblocking of the border with Poland has shown, we can find compromise and beneficial solutions with our European partners.

    Moreover, this year's priority is to work on opening joint border crossing points with our European neighbours.

    We are also working to extend the Solidarity Lanes and expand our export potential to the EU.

    Ukraine has become a member of the European Energy Union, as it has fully synchronised its energy system with the European one.

    Ukrainian storage facilities help Europe prevent an energy crisis and a significant increase in gas prices during the heating season.

    We store and have used to store 2.5 billion cubic metres of gas from foreign companies. Our ambitious plan is to become a gas safe in Europe, and we are already offering European companies up to 10 billion cubic metres in our storage facilities.

    We also have ambitions and plans to export electricity to the EU. In the current circumstances, it is more about plans, but we are laying a solid foundation for this.

    Today we adopt a decision to strengthen Ukraine's energy potential.

    Ukrhydroenergo is building three new units of the Dniester PSPP. At the same time, it is planned to build a new power transmission line from the Dniester PSPP to the Vinnytska substation.

    Today we are adopting a document that gives Ukrenergo permission to develop a land management project for the allocation of land plots for their further use in the construction of this new power line.

    ***

    Today's agenda also includes a decision to support communities. We approve a mechanism to distribute the additional subvention.

    We are talking about UAH 33.4 billion. This is a substantial amount that will help local authorities to make all the necessary expenditures for the sustainability and development of our country.

    We will provide support in two stages. First, we will allocate funds to the communities that need it most. In particular, we are talking about the de-occupied territories and territories where hostilities are taking place.

    ***

    And finally.

    We continue to strengthen our defence capabilities. Today, we are allocating a record amount of money for the arrangement of defence borders.

    We are talking about UAH 17.5 billion, which will be used for the construction of engineering and fortification structures, relevant equipment and a system of non-explosive barriers. The funds are allocated to the relevant departments and regional state administrations.

    ***

    We continue to work for the victory and successful European future of Ukraine.

    Thank you for your attention.

    Glory to Ukraine!

    Statement by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal at the Government meeting Statement by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal at the Government meeting Statement by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal at the Government meeting Statement by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal at the Government meeting Statement by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal at the Government meeting