Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

On July 7, members of the Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the EU met with representatives of the parliamentary delegation of the French Republic. The parties discussed bilateral cooperation, security issues and Ukraine's implementation of the Association Agreement with the European Union.
 
The First Deputy Chairman of the Committee Vadym Halaychuk thanked France for its long and consistent support of Ukraine: “We are grateful to France for its support, in particular, in such an important issue as the territorial integrity of Ukraine. We hope that France will play an active role in the newly created Crimean platform, which should become the main tool for restoring the territorial integrity of Ukraine,” Vadym Halaychuk said.

Member of the French National Assembly, Head of the France-Ukraine Friendship Group Valeria Faure-Muntian said that the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on many areas of cooperation: “The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected our relations, now we need to do everything to restore them at all levels”.

Maria Mezentseva, Deputy Chair of the Committee, said that Ukraine greatly appreciated France's assistance in various areas. She also briefed French parliamentarians on the humanitarian situation in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories: “The war has lead to 1.7 million internally displaced persons in Ukraine, according to official figures. Unofficially, there are 3 million such people. Recently, there was a big blockade of students who had to take exams. They are now forcibly given passports, those who are 16 years old. And this is becoming a real humanitarian catastrophe. Just yesterday, another Ukrainian serviceman was killed and four were rescued by medics. The war continues, and young people (from the occupied territories), who are striving for better opportunities, do not have such an opportunity.”

Maria Mezentseva also said that this year Ukraine passed a number of important laws that bring our country closer to the EU standards: “We have taken a huge step to finalize industrial visa-free, so that our goods follow the same certification processes as in the EU. The first framework laws on waste management, safety of blood donation, safety of food packaging, baby food were adopted. 52% of our obligations under the Association Agreement have been fulfilled. We are moving towards fulfilling the ultimate goals”.

The French colleagues noted that it is important to work out a common rhythm of work in the economic spheres, in the field of agriculture and environmental protection, as these areas are important for Ukraine's progress towards the EU.