The participants of the 16th meeting of the Ukraine-EU Parliamentary Association Committee discussed strengthening EU support and bilateral relations aimed at countering Russian military aggression against Ukraine and moving towards a just, comprehensive and lasting peace. Moreover, legal approximation and reforms in Ukraine in the context of EU accession negotiations, sectoral cooperation and support for Ukraine’s economic stability, in particular in the areas of trade, energy policy, transport and agriculture, as well as deepening inter-parliamentary cooperation were addressed.

Ukrainian Co-Chair of the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee, Vadym Halaichuk, welcomed the delegation of MEPs to Kyiv. “I am pleased to welcome the Parliamentary Association Committee to Kyiv for the first time since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Your presence here is a testament to the European Union’s unwavering solidarity and support for Ukraine in these difficult times,” said Vadym Halaichuk. He noted that the future of Europe and its security are directly linked to the situation on the front lines in Ukraine. According to him, due to uncertainty about US support, it is important for the EU to step up. “The stakes are extremely high, not only for Ukraine, but also for the entire European continent. The security challenges we face today threaten the stability and peace of the whole of Europe,” said Vadym Halaichuk. He added that the European family must act strongly and unitedly, since a just and lasting peace can be achieved only together.

PAC co-Chair from the European Parliament, Pekka Toveri, noted that Ukraine and the EU are united by common values and common interests. According to him, the European Parliament has strongly supported Ukraine by mobilising its financial support and promptly adopting legislation, such as the financial support mechanism for Ukraine. MEPs also insisted on more effective sanctions and a legal regime for the use of frozen Russian assets to compensate and support Ukraine. Pekka Toveri affirmed that the European Parliament’s commitment to supporting Ukraine remains unchanged.

Regarding Ukraine’s progress on its path to the EU, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Olha Stefanishyna, mentioned that Ukraine is currently conducting legislative screenings together with the European Commission, which should be completed in summer. The screening for the key “Fundamentals” cluster has already been finalised. However, at the moment, Ukraine cannot move forward because of an EU member state that is blocking progress. “We are fully ready to open the “Fundamentals” cluster. As soon as the EU member states reach a consensus, we will immediately submit all the necessary documents,” said Olha Stefanishyna. According to her, Ukraine has the ambition to open negotiations on all clusters this year.

The Director of the Ukrainian Service at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Anna Yarosh-Fris, stated that the process of verifying Ukraine’s progress under the “Fundamentals” cluster has been completed, and the report has been sent to the EU Council. Now the EU Council must make a unanimous decision on the opening of negotiations. Anna Yarosh-Fris also noted that without the opening of the “Fundamentals” cluster, negotiations under other clusters cannot be started.

The First Deputy Chair of the Ukrainian part of the PAC, Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, stressed that Ukraine’s integration into the EU should not be held hostage to bilateral relations that could slow down progress for both Ukraine and the European Union. “We want to make sure that we have your support and that the opening of negotiations under the “Fundamentals” cluster is not subject to any additional roadmaps, in particular on national minorities,” said Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze. She also stressed that, despite the war, it is important to carry out reforms and maintain a balance so that restrictions of martial law do not go beyond legal limitations. It is important to support media pluralism, guarantee the opposition's right to have a say and influence in parliamentary discussions, and continue the reform of local government. These are the issues that were decisive for Ukraine's stability at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. It is also necessary to maintain a balance between the Ukrainian branches of power while demonstrating unity and cohesion. The First Deputy Chair of the Ukrainian part of the PAC, Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, also emphasised the need to strengthen the institutional capacity of Ukrainian authorities, including the Parliament and its committees.

Regarding inter-parliamentary cooperation, the Co-Chair of the PAC from the European Parliament, Pekka Toveri, noted that work is currently underway, including at the level of the speakers of the Verkhovna Rada and the European Parliament, to continue close cooperation. This involves an active dialogue between parliaments and cooperation at the committee level. According to him, the possible creation of a permanent subcommittee in the EU-Ukraine Association Committee is also being discussed. This subcommittee could focus on the progress of Ukraine, ensuring proper discussion and implementation of all legislative steps.

Following the meeting, the participants adopted a joint statement and recommendations on the issues discussed during the meeting.