EU-Ukraine Summit reaffirms partnership with key agreements on aviation, research and culture
October 12, 2021

EU-Ukraine Summit reaffirms partnership with key agreements on aviation, research and culture


The EU and Ukraine today reaffirmed their strong partnership at the 23rd EU-Ukraine Summit in Kyiv, as well as their commitment to strengthening the political association and economic integration of Ukraine with the European Union.

The EU was represented by European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President, Charles Michel, and High Representative Josep Borrell, alongside the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 

President von der Leyen stressed the special partnership between the EU and Ukraine: “We will continue to work together on the untapped opportunities that the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement has to offer. This, alongside continued unity on sanctions, shows the EU’s commitment to Ukraine – one that remains unwavering.”

In the margins of the Summit, the EU and Ukraine made progress in a number of key sectors of cooperation, with three new important agreements.

Milestone aviation agreement

The European Union and Ukraine signed a comprehensive air transport agreement, opening the way for a ‘Common Aviation Area’ between the EU and Ukraine, which will foster market access and offer new opportunities for consumers and airlines on both sides. Under the agreement, all EU airlines will be able to operate direct flights from anywhere in the EU to any airport in Ukraine, and vice versa for Ukrainian airlines. The Agreement will start to apply from today.

Association of Ukraine to Horizon Europe

The Summit also provided the opportunity to finalise the association of Ukraine to Horizon Europe, the EU research and innovation programme for 2021-2027, as well as the Euratom Research and Training Programme for 2021-2025. Ukrainian researchers and innovators can now participate in those two programmes, with a budget of €95.5 billion and €1.38 billion respectively, under the same conditions as entities from EU Member States. 

Association of Ukraine to Creative Europe

The association of Ukraine to Creative Europe, the EU programme to support the cultural and creative sectors for the period for 2021-2027, was also finalised. Ukrainian cultural and creative organisations can now participate in Europe’s flagship €2.44 billion programme, under the same conditions as entities from EU Member States.

Find out more

Press release

Joint Statement



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