Distinguished colleagues! Fellow Ukrainians!
We now start a regular meeting of the Government.
Today Ukraine marks the tenth anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity.
The momentous events of the Revolution of Dignity became key in Ukraine's unwavering struggle for a free, democratic and European future.
The Ukrainian people have proven that Dignity and Freedom are inviolable values. In 2013, when they did not allow the pro-russian authoritarian government to deviate from the European path. Nowadays, when we are repelling the russian aggressor who is trying to deprive us of our home and our freedom.
Ukraine has survived thanks to brave and caring people. Thanks to those who were fighting on the Maidan and those who are defending the state at the frontline
We thank everyone who has contributed to the protecting of Ukraine's independence.
Eternal memory to those who has given their lives for a free European future.
Let us honour them with a minute of silence…
***
The struggle continues and it will end in our common victory.
Right now, we are taking a resolute step towards a European future.
The European Commission has recognised the immense progress of our European integration efforts. Its recommendations to open pre-accession negotiations are a landmark step, a logical continuation of the events that took place on Maidan 10 years ago.
Ukraine is currently finalising a package of laws that are a prerequisite for the start of the negotiation process.
Today, the Parliament is considering the Government's draft laws on strengthening the institutional capacity of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, on expanding the powers of the NACP, on the autonomy and independence of the SAPO.
The Verkhovna Rada is also adopting two more European integration laws - on improving the mechanisms of inter-territorial and cross-border cooperation and and on creating a system of minimum stocks of oil and oil products
I am grateful to MEPs for the priority they have given to these initiatives.
Together, we are building Ukraine into a strong, sustainable, European country.
***
We continue to expand its logistics, with exports being one of the pillars of our country's sustainability.
In 2023, the Danube ports more than doubled their cargo handling. During the same period, the number of ships calling at Reni, Izmail and Ust-Dunaisk has increased by 54% compared to last year.
Romania is our key partner here. This country accounts for 11% of the value of Ukrainian exports.
An extremely positive dynamics of bilateral trade relations is observed and it is expected that by the end of the year, the Ukrainian-Romanian trade turnover will increase to 4 million tonnes. We will actively develop this area in the future.
Meanwhile, we also keep our focus on the rapid recovery programme. We are constantly searching for additional resources to implement it.
The confiscation of russian assets frozen in the West should become the main resource for Ukraine's recovery. Ukraine is working to ensure that the principle of "russia will pay" is implemented next year.
Last week, seven members of the Board of the Register of Losses were selected. This is part of the compensation mechanism, which will consist of three components:
The fund should be filled with confiscated russian assets. This includes about EUR 300 billion of sovereign assets and another EUR 28 billion of private assets deposited in the EU and other developed countries.
Today, 43 countries and the European Union are involved in the creation of the Register of Losses. The rules and procedures for its operation will soon be approved. We expect it to become operational in the first quarter of next year.
First and foremost, it is about justice, when the aggressor will be forced to pay for what it has destroyed. It is also a precedent that will prevent other acts of aggression in different parts of the world.
We are grateful to everyone who stands in solidarity with Ukraine and continue to work for victory, for a just peace, for effective recovery and growth.
Thank you for your attention!
Glory to Ukraine!