Vsevolod Chentsov discusses Ukraine’s next steps towards EU membership with Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos

On 3 September in Dublin, Ireland, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Vsevolod Chentsov met EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos on the sidelines of an informal meeting of the Council of the European Union’s General Affairs Council.

The parties discussed current issues relating to Ukraine’s European integration, the fulfilment of commitments made as part of the EU accession negotiations and the next steps in implementing key reforms. This includes Ukraine’s commitments on protecting the rights of national minorities, particularly in education.

The Deputy Prime Minister provided an update on Ukraine’s work to strengthen the protection of national minority rights. He said the Government will shortly submit to Parliament a draft law implementing the education-related measures set out in the Action Plan for the protection of the rights of persons belonging to Ukraine’s national minorities and communities.

Particular attention was given to the importance of adopting legislation required to fulfil Ukraine’s European integration commitments, including those under the Ukraine Plan within the Ukraine Facility.

Vsevolod Chentsov assured the Commissioner that the Government, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the other institutions involved are strengthening coordination to complete the necessary steps towards EU membership.

The parties also discussed the importance of consistent reform implementation, particularly in the area of the rule of law, and of maintaining momentum in the accession negotiations. They emphasised the need to deepen dialogue with EU Member States, ensuring they are properly informed of Ukraine’s progress and building support for further decisions on its accession.