Taras Kachka in discussion with Sweden’s Minister for EU Affairs: Opening of first negotiating cluster could be a turning point for Ukraine

On 15 August, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Taras Kachka, held his first phone call in his new role with Sweden’s Minister for EU Affairs, Jessica Rosencrantz.

The parties discussed key challenges facing Ukraine on its path to EU membership. They highlighted the importance of opening the first negotiating Cluster and the need to maintain unity among EU member states in supporting Ukraine. The conversation also covered close Ukrainian-Swedish cooperation in economic and political spheres, particularly in the context of implementing reforms.

Minister Rosencrantz congratulated Taras Kachka on his appointment and reaffirmed Sweden’s steadfast support for Ukraine, including in its EU accession process.

Taras Kachka thanked Sweden for its unwavering support for Ukraine’s European integration and its active stance in strengthening collective security. He updated his Swedish counterpart on Ukraine’s ongoing internal transformations, particularly in the areas of rule of law and anti-corruption measures. These include recent steps such as the appointment of the head of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine, reforms to the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA), the launch of reforms to the National Customs Service, and ensuring the independence of NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau) and SAPO (Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office).

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that the Government is working closely with the Parliament, the President’s Office, and other relevant bodies to consolidate further reforms. In this context, he mentioned a meeting with Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk regarding the importance of adopting EU integration-related draft laws.

The parties also coordinated their positions ahead of the informal meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Denmark in September. They agreed on the need for a technical decision by the 27 EU member states to open the first negotiating Cluster, “Fundamentals,” as soon as possible this year.

“Cluster 1 covers key reforms in democracy, justice, law enforcement, and the rule of law. We see its opening not merely as a formality but as an effective mechanism to drive further transformations in the country. Ukraine has undertaken comprehensive preparations for this next step; the only missing element is a formal decision from the EU,” Taras Kachka stressed.

He also underscored that the negotiation processes for Ukraine and Moldova’s EU accession should proceed as synchronously as possible. Kachka noted the unacceptability of any decisions that could undermine EU unity.

Taras Kachka expressed gratitude to the Swedish people for their high level of domestic support and highlighted that Ukraine greatly values Sweden’s assistance in political, economic, and security spheres, as well as in post-war reconstruction and the effective implementation of reforms aligning Ukraine with EU standards: “It is extremely important for us that Sweden has been and remains a reliable friend and partner of Ukraine in the European integration process. We look forward to continued close cooperation with our Swedish colleagues to ensure the success of the EU enlargement project and the realisation of all necessary reforms within our country.”

At the end of the call, Jessica Rosencrantz reiterated that Ukraine belongs to the European family of nations and assured continued Swedish support for Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations and reform efforts.