Shmyhal: Ukraine will do everything within its power to achieve EU membership

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said this at the first Intergovernmental Conference at ministerial level to open accession negotiations with Ukraine, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

“Thousands of the best sons and daughters of Ukraine have given their lives for an independent European, Ukraine. I bow my head in the memory of the fallen Ukrainian heroes. I bow my head in gratitude to the Ukrainian military for making this day possible, for enabling Ukraine to start this negotiation process that will ultimately lead to our membership in the European Union. We will do everything within our power to achieve this,” Shmyhal said.

At the same time, he stressed that there is still a lot of work to be done on the path to accession. “We are ready for it, we have demonstrated that we can move swiftly and achieve the impossible. Today's event clearly shows this," Shmyhal said.

The Ukrainian prime minister expressed confidence that European partners will positively perceive Ukraine's official negotiating position. Ukraine's future membership is Europe's best response to current challenges and a unique opportunity to strengthen the European Union, he said.

“We believe that aiding Ukraine in defeating the Russian aggressor and overcoming the challenges of post-war reconstruction could become Europe's greatest achievement indicates," Shmyhal stressed.

According to the head of the Ukrainian government, a strong Ukraine is impossible outside the EU, just as a strong EU is not possible without Ukraine. "Today marks the beginning of a new chapter the relationship between Ukraine and the European Union,” he said.

“The start of negotiations is a significant step towards our shared great Victory. Together we will prevail, together we will build a safe, prosperous and strong Europe from Lisbon to Luhansk," the Prime Minister summed up.

As reported, negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union started at the first Intergovernmental Conference in Luxembourg on June 25.

Photo: FB/Denys Shmyhal