Consolidating efforts to open negotiation Cluster 1 “Fundamentals”, advancing Ukraine’s economic development, and fostering interstate cooperation in various sectors were the key topics of a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Oleksii Sobolev and a delegation from the global parliamentary network “United for Ukraine” (U4U).
The delegation to Kyiv included parliamentarians from Lithuania, Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Estonia, the European Parliament, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Moldova, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Also participating from the Ukrainian side was Oleksandr Ilkov, Director General of the Government Office for Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.
As noted by Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka, the European Commission had confirmed that Ukraine and Moldova were ready to open negotiations on Cluster 1.
“Both countries need this next step for domestic reasons and in the broader regional context. We want the EU to remain united – both in supporting our path to membership and in global efforts to achieve peace,” said Taras Kachka.
A separate discussion focused on economic cooperation.
“A key factor in accelerating Ukraine’s path to EU and NATO membership is obtaining comprehensive security guarantees. A vital indicator of the effectiveness of such guarantees is the willingness of foreign businesses to invest in Ukraine. We need deep economic integration into the markets of not only the EU but also the G7 and the Western world. This will be a core policy of our ministry and the Government as a whole,” emphasised Oleksii Sobolev.
He noted that Ukraine was highly interested in attracting private foreign investment and expanding cooperation between Ukrainian and foreign entrepreneurs. The Government is making every effort to create a favourable investment climate, minimise risks, and foster active dialogue with businesses. Support from partners, particularly in actively promoting Ukraine as an attractive investment destination, is also crucial. (Government portal)