Budrys in Kyiv: we must seek solutions to accelerate Ukraine's EU membership process

On 9 June, during a working visit to Kyiv, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, met with the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna.

The meeting addressed Ukraine's accession process to the European Union and possibilities to accelerate it, also the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, and needs for support to Ukraine.

"Our ambition is for the first negotiating clusters with Ukraine to be opened this month by the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU. We consistently raise the issue of the merit-based principle being applied equally to all EU candidates. The selective blocking of Ukraine's membership and manipulation of the enlargement process is unacceptable", stressed the Minister.

According to Budrys, it is necessary to look for solutions to accelerate the process of Ukraine's European integration, because the EU membership is important for both Ukraine and the EU, and will act as a security guarantee in the future.

"Ukraine's EU membership by 2030 must become our common goal. Despite the Russian aggression, Ukraine, while fighting for its freedom, demonstrates determination and political will by implementing the recommendations and reforms of the European Commission. I assure you that you have and will have the support of Lithuania in mobilising support in the EU accession process", stressed the Minister.

During the meeting, Budrys and Stefanishyna evaluated the results of the "Ukraine2EU" support programme implemented by Lithuania together with Denmark and Sweden and discussed common goals for the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague.