PM Shmyhal: Ukraine getting closer to EU membership every day

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said that Ukraine is getting closer to its goal of joining the European Union every day.

He said this in a Telegram post on the occasion of Europe Day, according to Ukrinform.

"Today, for the first time, together with the EU countries, we are celebrating Europe Day. As befits a country that shares European values and principles of freedom, equality and respect. Which is mentally and spiritually a part of a united European family and which is gradually but surely returning home," Shmyhal said.

According to him, "every day we are getting closer to our goal - joining the European Union."

"Today we are united and strong. Today we are building our European future together," Shmyhal said.

The Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, in turn, noted that Ukraine is currently fighting for its independence, territorial integrity and common European freedom.

"From today and every year, Ukraine will celebrate Europe Day together with the EU countries on May 9 - as a sign of the unity of our peoples in the struggle for peace, security, and the establishment of the European identity of Ukrainians," Lubinets said.

According to him, Europe Day is of special importance for Ukrainians.

"We share the same values - freedom, democracy, the rule of law," Lubinets said.

"European countries have become close friends for us, providing shelter to millions of Ukrainians, closely cooperating on the issue of returning Ukrainian children deported by Russia, collecting evidence of Russian war crimes and bringing the guilty to justice, supporting [the Ukrainians] in every possible way in their confrontation with the aggressor," he said.

He also added that "Ukrainian soldiers have become for Europe a reliable shield that protects against Russian expansion."

"Ukraine is fighting for its independence, territorial integrity and common European freedom," Lubinets said.

He also thanked the European community for its strong support and assistance, which brings victory over the enemy closer.

On May 9, Ukraine celebrates Europe Day together with the EU countries for the first time. The holiday was established in accordance with a decree of President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The holiday was earlier celebrated in Ukraine every year on the third Saturday of May, which this year falls on May 20.