Vsevolod Chentsov: EU integration must advance along three parallel tracks – negotiations, reforms and practical integration

Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Vsevolod Chentsov spoke at a working session of the informal meeting of the EU General Affairs Council on enlargement in Dublin.

The discussion focused on the practical implementation of reforms, the institutional capacity of candidate countries and support from the EU and its Member States.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that Ukraine’s rule-of-law and anti-corruption reforms are a clear example of the country’s transformation. At the same time, changes of this kind always require consistent, systematic and long-term work.

It was noted that there is no universal model for reforming justice and law enforcement systems that can be applied equally in every country. Drawing on European best practice, countries must identify the most effective solutions to strengthen institutional capacity while enabling state institutions to respond effectively to russian aggression during wartime.

“Ukraine has high ambitions to fulfil its European integration agenda as quickly as possible. We are grateful to the European Commission and the Member States for their technical assistance and political support. At the same time, the accession negotiations must move forwards. We follow a merit-based approach to accession and expect the same approach from the EU,” Vsevolod Chentsov said.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that Ukraine is technically ready to open the remaining negotiating clusters with the EU. The European Commission has previously confirmed that Ukraine has completed the necessary work on its part and is ready for the clusters to be opened.

Opening the negotiating clusters would allow Ukraine to maintain momentum in the negotiations and provide impetus for specific reforms and practical economic and sectoral integration even before it joins the European Union. This includes further integration into the EU Single Market, support for Ukrainian industry and the gradual integration of Ukrainian sectors into the European economic area. Opening the relevant clusters would create further opportunities to advance this work in practice.

“For us, negotiations, reforms and practical sectoral integration are three interconnected tracks that must advance in parallel. Gradual integration into EU policies and the Single Market is not an alternative to full membership. On the contrary, it should help make the accession process faster and more effective, while delivering tangible results on the path to membership. Our ultimate objective remains unchanged: Ukraine’s full membership of the European Union,” Vsevolod Chentsov emphasised.

The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the potential of cross-border cooperation as a practical means of bringing Ukraine closer to the EU and strengthening regional cooperation.

He drew particular attention to the Carpathian Integration Initiative announced by the President of Ukraine, which is intended to deepen cooperation among countries in the region in areas such as the economy, logistics and security. Vsevolod Chentsov invited partner countries to attend the initiative’s first summit, to be held in Ivano-Frankivsk region in September, at the highest possible level.

He also called on interested EU Member States and neighbouring countries to help develop joint initiatives that would strengthen links between regions, communities and economies.

Vsevolod Chentsov urged EU Member States to continue providing practical support to Ukrainian institutions, particularly by engaging European experts and sharing experience. According to him, efforts to strengthen administrative capacity must advance alongside the alignment of Ukrainian legislation with the EU acquis.