PM Shmyhal holds meetings with EU leadership

During his visit to Brussels, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the European Parliament David Sassoli.

The issues of strengthening regional security were discussed with Borrell, PM Shmyhal posted on Twitter.

“Grateful to Josep Borrell for a fruitful meeting in Brussels. Amid Russia’s aggravation of the situation on Ukraine’s borders and the migrant crisis on the Belarusian-Polish border - an issue of strengthening regional security is an undisputed priority,” the PM wrote.

Moreover, Denys Shmyhal together with Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili and Prime Minister of Moldova Natalia Gavrilița  met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

According to the Government portal, the meeting within the format of the Associated Trio was focused on energy security, digitalization, and transport.

During the meeting, the Prime Ministers of the Associated Trio stressed the importance of coordinating efforts ahead of the sixth Eastern Partnership Summit. Shmyhal noted that he welcomed the readiness of the European Union for the gradual integration of the Eastern partners into the EU internal market. The PM of Ukraine stressed that ensuring energy security and security of energy supply should remain the focus of regional cooperation amid the gas crisis in the European market.

"Energy security is one of the key priorities of the Government of Ukraine, which includes diversification of ways of energy supply, counteraction to Russian gas blackmail and synchronization with the European ENTSO-E network. Ukraine strives to remain a reliable transit country for gas, advocates maintaining transit and concluding a new contract in accordance with European rules," the Head of the Government of Ukraine stressed.

According to him, Ukraine submitted its proposals to strengthen joint energy security with the European Union, including the creation of an appropriate Regional Platform. As part of this initiative, Ukraine is committed to providing additional gas transit at a reduced rate and providing certain part of its underground storage facilities for gas storage by European companies.

During the meeting, Shmyhal also noted that the countries of the Associated Trio are deeply integrated into the EU transport network. Meanwhile, given the ever-increasing volume of trade, there are currently pressing issues that need to be addressed, in particular given the development of the situation around Belarus.

"Ukraine is interested in negotiating with the European Union on the liberalization of the road transport market with EU member states. The proper functioning of transport services is crucial to ensure the efficiency of the DCFTA and the sustainable growth of trade," the Prime Minister of Ukraine emphasized.

He noted that the conclusion of an agreement on road transport as provided for in the Association Agreement would resolve the issue of permits and promote the effective implementation of a deep and comprehensive free trade area for both parties.

In addition, the Prime Minister of Ukraine pointed out the need to strengthen regional cooperation on climate and ecology.

"The integration of the European Green Deal into the agenda of the Associated Trio should be one of the main pillars for the creation of a strong Eastern Partnership trio. Green transformation will require significant support from the EU in implementing reforms, in particular in terms of adapting national legislation," Shmyhal said.

The Prime Minister also stressed that the EU should take into account the readiness of the Trio countries to implement the Green Deal in the context of the future application of the carbon tax (CBAM – Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism), which should not become an obstacle to trade relations between partner countries.

According to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, digitalization is also one of the most promising areas for the development of cooperation between the EU and the Trio countries, and it is critical to encourage the participation of states in relevant European digital initiatives. This approach is fully shared by the President of the European Commission.

The prime ministers of the Associated Trio countries also met with European Parliament President David Sassoli to discuss trade, security, and health cooperation.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister of Ukraine stressed that the ability of the EU Member States and partner countries to respond to the challenges needs to be seriously improved, the Government portal reports.

"In this regard, we expect the European Parliament to make appropriate recommendations to the EU institutions in its annual report on the implementation of the Common Security and Defense Policy for 2021," said Shmyhal.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine also stressed that the EU and the countries of the Associated Trio should combine experience in identifying and forecasting threats in healthcare sector.

"We must be on the same side if there is a new crisis. Together, we can make the pan-European response to future health issues more consolidated," said the Prime Minister of Ukraine.

The Head of the Government of Ukraine also stressed that trade is one of the most important areas of cooperation in the format of the Associated Trio. He added that all three countries have a DCFTA with the European Union, and therefore set similar goals in this direction.

"We already have an effective platform for cooperation, which is useful and valuable for discussing common issues related to trade, exchange of experience and best practices," said the Prime Minister of Ukraine.

Denys Shmyhal thanked the European Parliament for its unwavering support for Ukraine's energy security.

Photo credit: Government portal

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