Poland Joins Ukraine2EU to Support Ukraine’s Preparation for EU Membership

Poland Joins Ukraine2EU to Support Ukraine's Preparation for EU Membership

On December 11, at the Informal Meeting of Ministers for European Affairs in Lviv, Poland reinforced its support for Ukraine's EU membership by announcing its participation in the Ukraine2EU - EU Integration Support Programme. Poland has contributed €1 million to Ukraine2EU and will provide advisory support drawn from its own experience to Ukrainian public administration institutions in their efforts to conduct EU-related reforms and align legislation with the EU acquis. The contribution will also help to reinforce the Verkhovna Rada's capacities related to Ukraine's EU accession.

Welcoming Poland's contribution, Marta Kos, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, highlighted that the unity of Member States remains essential as Ukraine moves forward in its accession process: "Poland's decision to take part in this initiative shows Member States' firm resolve to support Ukraine on its path to EU membership. From its own experience, Poland knows how vital strong and capable institutions are in preparing for EU membership. Ukraine is entering a stage that demands sustained political focus, consistent work and resilient institutions. Strengthening those capacities will speed up Ukraine's progress towards the European Union."

Reflecting on Poland's decision, Ignacy Niemczycki, Secretary of State of Poland, emphasised the value of practical accession experience: "Poland knows how demanding the EU accession process is. Through Ukraine2EU, we are not only providing financial support but also mobilising a High-Level Advisory Group of senior Polish experts - officials who led Poland's own EU negotiations and held leading roles in EU institutions. Their experience will help Ukraine navigate the accession process and align its laws with the EU acquis."

As Ukraine moves into the next stage of the EU accession process, the Verkhovna Rada faces an increasing workload. It must process a growing volume of EU-related legislation, work closely with the government, and keep reforms on track to support successful negotiations.

Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, noted: "Ukraine's accession process should maintain strong momentum, driven by the significant reforms we are implementing across key sectors. Poland's support comes at a moment when political resolve and unity among partners are crucial. The experience Polish experts bring will help us navigate on the EU accession path. We are grateful to Poland for this strategic and timely contribution to Ukraine's EU course".

Speaking about the importance of aligning the national legislation with the EU acquis, Oleksandr Korniyenko, First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, emphasized: "Parliament is one of the key institutions in aligning national legislation with European standards. This is not about simply translating directives, but about a comprehensive process that requires deep reforms, coordination and institutional readiness. Support directed at strengthening the Verkhovna Rada's capacities directly enhances Ukraine's ability to adopt and implement the EU acquis effectively."

By joining Ukraine2EU, Poland becomes part of this umbrella EU initiative and strengthens the Team Europe approach, demonstrating its openness to cooperation with other EU member states and donor organisations that support Ukraine on its path to EU membership.

Background Note

The Ukraine2EU Programme is a flagship initiative of the European Union designed to assist Ukraine in successfully completing its EU accession process and preparing for EU membership. It was launched by the EU, Lithuania, and Denmark, later joined by Sweden and Ireland, and now Poland - bringing the Programme's total budget to €19.2 million. The Programme is implemented by the Lithuanian Central Project Management Agency (CPVA).

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