The Chair of the Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the EU, Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, First Deputy Chair Vadym Halaychuk, and Committee Member Olena Vintoniak met with a delegation of the Ministry of Justice of France.

The meeting focused on France’s and other European partners’ support for Ukraine, the country’s progress in delivering on its EU-related commitments, as well as the domestic political situation.

The Committee Members thanked France for its long-standing support and comprehensive assistance. At the same time, they called for stepping up this support and ensuring that European societies and decision-makers have a clear understanding that Europe’s shared future depends on unity and determination. “So that together, we can force Russia to peace. Because only strength, not persuasion, can make it stop its fire,” the Chair of the Committee said. She urged France and Europe to demonstrate leadership and resolve regarding security on the continent. She stressed that any negotiations about Ukraine’s future cannot take place without Ukraine and its European partners. “We do not believe that meaningful negotiations are possible without Europe and without Ukraine. And we do not believe that discussions held behind our backs can reflect our interests,” Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze noted.

Special attention during the meeting was devoted to alignment of Ukraine’s legislation with EU law and strengthening institutional capacity. The Committee Members underlined that the volume of work on the path to EU membership is extremely significant, and that France’s experience and support would be highly valuable in this regard.

The domestic political situation was also discussed. The Chair of the Committee noted that, thanks to public pressure and the attention of international partners, it was possible to stop the attack on anti-corruption institutions in July. At the same time, she emphasized that Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies continue to require support, including strengthened institutional capacity, to ensure they can continue to perform their work effectively.