Sweden’s Presidency of the Council of the EU should serve as driving force for EU’s support for Ukraine – Zhovkva

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva has had a phone call with Christian Danielsson, Minister for EU Affairs of the recently elected Government of the Kingdom of Sweden, headed by Ulf Kristersson.

The relevant statement was made by the Office of the President of Ukraine, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The parties exchanged views on the situation with Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and agreed on the need to increase international pressure on the aggressor country and make every effort to preserve European unity on the issues related to the international isolation of the Russian Federation, increased sanctions pressure, and the achievement of full independence from Russian energy resources.

Zhovkva noted Sweden’s strong political and practical support for Ukraine in defending independence, as well as readiness to actively participate in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.

The main focus was on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and the priorities of Sweden’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2023. The parties coordinated their positions on achieving Ukraine’s progress on the European integration path and agreed to deepen the dialogue in this regard.

“Sweden’s Presidency of the Council of the EU should be marked by the start of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and serve as a driving force for continued and comprehensive support for Ukraine by the European community,” Zhovkva stressed.

The parties agreed on the need for Ukraine’s further integration into the EU internal market and the implementation of necessary reforms. Sweden’s experience in this regard is especially valuable for Ukraine.

“We expect that we will be able to use Sweden’s practical experience of joining the European Union to achieve further progress on the European integration path,” Zhovkva added.

A reminder that NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg noted Sweden’s significant contribution to Euro-Atlantic security, welcomed its fast accession to NATO and thanked for the aid provided by Sweden to help Ukraine fight against the Russian armed aggression.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

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