Shmyhal, Borrell discuss further steps for Ukraine's EU integration

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and EU High Representative Josep Borrell have discussed further steps aimed at integrating Ukraine into the EU.

That's according to a statement posted on the website of the Ukrainian government, Ukrinform reports.

"We are grateful for the decision of the European Council to grant Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership and, above all, for the leadership of the European Commission and your personal support in this process. This is a landmark decision for both Ukraine and the EU because our relations are moving from the neighborhood policy to the enlargement policy. This opens up a number of new opportunities for us," Shmyhal said.

He emphasized that Ukraine will move according to an accelerated procedure in bringing Ukrainian legislation closer to EU legislation.

During a video call, Shmyhal also expressed Ukraine's readiness to move forward to ensure integration into the EU internal market. In particular, the country counts on the conclusion of the Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptability of Industrial Goods (ACAA), joining the NCTS system, the single roaming zone and the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA).

Shmyhal thanked the European Union for the decision to provide macro-financial assistance in the total amount of EUR 9 billion to finance the budget deficit, as well as the long-term reconstruction plan of the country. He emphasized that the major part of the funds for the reconstruction of Ukraine should be made up of seized Russian assets, so he called on Ukraine's partners to develop the relevant national legislation.

Shmyhal and Borrell also discussed the strengthening of cooperation in the energy sector, assistance in demining Ukrainian territories and inclusion of the Ukrainian part of the Danube River in the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

Photo: Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine