Address by the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal at a Gov't session

Exactly three months ago, russia launched a full-blow invasion of Ukraine. During these 3 months, our people have gone through more trials than during the previous 30 years of independence. Today we face the greatest challenges in our modern history. But strategically, Ukraine has already won.

For years, the kremlin regime has dreamed of halting our integration into the West. For russia, Ukraine's accession to the European Union means the final shatter of their imperial ambitions. After the full-scale invasion, the russian leadership hoped that Ukraine's integration into the EU would stop. Instead, we have only accelerated this process. Ukraine has ambitious goals and a systemic plan on how to become a member of the European family in the near future.

We are ready to quickly make the necessary changes, implement the necessary European regulations and integrate into European projects. We do not need 10 or 15 years for this. We have proven that we can do all this much faster.

In mid-March, Ukraine joined the European energy network ENTSO-E ahead of schedule. It was planned that this may not be before 2023, but the coordinated work of energy professionals, public authorities, diplomats - and we are already part of the Energy Union. Ukraine is already exporting its electricity to Europe. For example, in April, electricity exports to Poland increased by 35% compared to pre-war January. By the end of the year, we plan to expand the capabilities of Ukrainian energy companies and be able to export about 800 MW of electricity per day to the EU. This will help Europe to stop consuming russian coal and reduce its consumption of Russian gas.

Another area in which Ukraine is actively integrating with Europe is transportation and customs. We plan to sign a "customs visa-free regime" in the near future. That is to accede to the Convention on a common transit procedure. This document is the basis for the movement of goods between EU member states. We are already using the appropriate NCTS computerized system and are technically ready to accede to the relevant Convention. Such a connection will significantly speed up the passage of customs and speed up the flow of goods. This is the best quality of customs and new opportunities for Ukrainian business.

In addition, we are preparing to sign an agreement with the EU on the liberalization of road freight transport. The European Commission has already recommended that member states liberalize such shipments with Ukraine. Work in this direction is in full swing, because in the conditions of blocking our ports, we need to maximize the capabilities of the western border.

In the same direction, Ukraine has intensified the opening of new checkpoints. Two such points on the western border will be opened in the near future. Ambitious plan - the Ministry of Infrastructure, the State Border Guard Service and the Customs have a task to create checkpoints in the next six months where there are already highways or where such roads can be built quickly.

In addition, Ukraine will begin the phased construction of the European track to connect our railway with the European one. Initially, it will be a combination of large hubs and large cities, and then a gradual expansion across the country.

Two other integration projects that we are actively promoting and plan to achieve soon are Ukraine's accession to the EU roaming space and the single SEPA payment area in the European currency. The first will allow calls between the EU and Ukraine at no extra cost, as well as allow Ukrainians to use mobile internet at home rates. The second - Ukraine's accession to the Single Euro Payment Area- may take place in the summer and will allow you to make transfers in euros without any fees.

We are actively implementing European rules in virtually every sector of the economy and public relations. Ukraine's accession to the EU is our key geopolitical goal for the coming years. We do not need 15 years for this. Many European leaders understand this. Just as they understand how much the geopolitical map of Europe and the world has changed since russia's war.

Ukraine can give a lot to a renewed Europe. Food security, energy transition, digitalisation, a new promising market, new investment opportunities and, of course, strengthening collective European security, as the Ukrainian army has proven to be one of the strongest in the world.

The Ukrainian people have proved with their own blood that we deserve to be an equal member of the European Union. Therefore, we hope and will persuade our allies to grant Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership next month.

This will show that European countries really respect the values of the struggle for freedom and democracy, which they once acquired in the same way as Ukraine now.

Ukraine will be a member of the European Union. There is no doubt about that. We are exerting every effort to do this shortly.

Glory to Ukraine!