Ukrainian leaders explained how Ukraine's European integration can strengthen the EU

The final decision on granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership during the European Council on June 23-24. On the eve of the final decision, Aspen Institute Kyiv and its international partners created a platform for dialogue between Ukrainian leaders and their Western colleagues. Its purpose is to explain the importance of gaining candidate status and further integration of Ukraine into the EU.

Aspen Institute Kyiv listed the main benefits that the EU would gain due to Ukraine`s membership in EU:

• Physical security. Today, the Ukrainian army is the only active army in Europe. In addition, Ukrainians are successfully fighting the so-called “second army of the world”.
• Food security. Ukraine is an important player on the food market. We are already seeing how the cessation of food supplies from Ukraine due to the war could affect the countries of Africa and the Middle East. At the same time, even during the war, Ukraine remains a reliable food supplier to the EU.
• Energy partnership. Ukraine can become a partner of the European Union in the process of abandoning Russian energy resources, and can help to compensate for the loss up to 30%.
• Stimulating European business with the Ukrainian human capital. Ukrainian human capital is already partly integrated into the European market. Our people are well-educated and creative, which will significantly enhance Europe’s business potential.
• Digitization. Ukraine is a leader in digitalization in Europe. During this process, we created many services that may be useful for residents of European countries.
• Reliable and stable partnership. Ukraine understands that EU candidate status means a lot of work in the future. However, the state is ready to implement all the requirements. The achievements in the field of the Association Agreement prove it. During the eight years, Ukraine has implemented almost 70% of it. In addition, even in times of difficult challenges, most Ukrainian institutions continue to operate and provide citizens with their services.

Aspen Institute Kyiv held events in partnership with Aspen Institute France and Aspen Institute Germany.

Speakers of the events: 

• Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic
• Integration of Ukraine
• Anna Derevyanko, European Business Association Executive director
• Olexiy Chernyshov, Minister for Communities and Territories development of Ukraine
• Natalya Yemchenko, Director of Public relations and Communications, SCM Investment Group 
• Olena Halushka, Head of international relations at the Anti-Corruption Action Center 
• Maria Mezentseva, Deputy Chairperson of Verkhovna Rada Committee of Ukraine’s Integration into the European Union