Five years ago, Ukrainian citizens chose a way to return to a large European family. And just now our country has come close to the Rubicon, and, having it crossed, the transformations introduced during this period can become irrevocable for the country.

Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze stressed during a meeting with students in Zhytomyr.

"It is incredibly important for us to protect this possibility of transition to irrevocability. If you wish, unfortunately, it's still very easy to take back all the benefits that we have already gained. They should be protected as strong as possible and sometimes we should continue to make uninteresting and dull bureaucratic work in the direction of European integration", said the Deputy Prime Minister.

She reminded that the Association Agreement was the largest and most comprehensive document that the EU had ever concluded with a third country. Already these days, Ukrainians can feel the benefits of implementing the Agreement, because it implies the introduction of European standards and practices in all spheres of life, starting from public administration and ending with consumer rights protection. In addition, citizens of our country can use the opportunities of a number of EU programs that promote making business, cultural and educational exchange, scientific cooperation, etc.

"Zhytomyr Nursing Institute already enjoys the benefits of student exchanges with different educational institutions of EU countries, in particular within the Erasmus + program. I hope you will also use the Horizon 2020 program", the Government official said.

At present, 87.5% of foreign investment in the economy of Zhytomyr region comes from EU countries. Together with that, the region benefits from the introduction of transparent rules, new technologies and decent working conditions at enterprises with European capital. Meanwhile, the volume of exports of goods from Zhytomyr region in 2018 increased by 12%. Most products have been purchased by Germany, Poland and Italy.

"We are undergoing transformation and changing in the direction we believe in, the direction of our dreams. Zhytomyr region can in many ways lead the way for other regions", stressed the Deputy Prime Minister.

However, through the repeated changes in the foreign policy course for decades, Ukraine still has to convince European partners of the seriousness of our intentions and the resolute pursuit of change. The consolidation of the course on joining the EU and NATO in the Constitution of Ukraine should secure Ukraine from the next return of the revenge seekers.

"In 2014, it seemed that Ukraine would be able to make a giant leap, which other states used to take for centuries. But over time, we realized that this is neither a sprint nor a marathon - it is a relay race of marathons. We have opted for a better life that has proven its capability in the EU countries. But there they allow admittance not for good looks", stressed Ivanna Klimpush-Tsintsadze.