Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, took part in an online event dedicated to the Spanish presidency of the Council of the European Union.

During the event, the participants discussed the priorities and main directions of the Spanish presidency, as well as a number of challenges facing the EU today.

"The Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union is a solid basis for building and deepening dialogue with partners from other parts of the world, in particular with South American countries, to consolidate international efforts to restore peace in Europe. We look forward to successful cooperation in this area," the Deputy Prime Minister said at the beginning of her speech.

Olha Stefanishyna thanked Spain for its unwavering support of our country in countering russia's full-scale war:

"Spain's military, technical, diplomatic and humanitarian assistance is a great contribution to our struggle for independence and freedom. It is symbolic that on the first day of Spain's presidency of the EU Council, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez arrived in Ukraine to demonstrate that Spain remains a reliable friend and partner for Ukraine. We really appreciate it."

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed her hope that Ukraine would remain a top priority on the EU's agenda during Spain's presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2023.

"We count on your continued support to launch the negotiation process on Ukraine's accession to the EU by the end of 2023. The start of the negotiations could be a historic achievement for the Spanish Presidency and a driving force for the further implementation of the reforms necessary for the successful reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine," said Olha Stefanishyna.

She noted that given the scale and complexity of the challenges to both reconstruction and reforms underpinning the EU enlargement process, Ukraine needs the EU's continued and predictable support. The Special Financing Facility proposed by the European Commission, which currently offers EUR 50 billion for 2024-2027, could be an effective mechanism for international partners to provide such support.

Olha Stefanishyna noted that Ukraine, for its part, continues comprehensive reforms and transformations, which are also necessary to restore the country in a transparent and effective manner. The official also stressed that Ukraine, as a future full member of the EU, would contribute to the stability and security of the single European family.

In addition, she stressed that it was important to continue the practice of inviting Ukrainian representatives to EU ministerial meetings: "This will ensure a constant exchange of views on topical issues and contribute to the formation of an effective response to common challenges and threats."

For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, José Manuel Albares Bueno, assured that Spain would continue to provide comprehensive assistance to Ukraine, both bilaterally and within the framework of the EU Presidency.

"When the European Commission publishes its opinion on Ukraine's progress towards EU membership in October, we will be prepared to take the next important steps to ensure that Ukraine joins the EU family as soon as possible," said José Manuel Albares Bueno. "We are also committed to a just peace in Ukraine, which means respect for Ukraine's independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty".

He also noted that Spain, during its presidency, would make efforts to broaden international support for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula to end the war and establish lasting peace on the European continent.