Ukraine strengthens focus on regional readiness for EU membership

Continuous dialogue between central and regional governments in Ukraine is essential for driving coordinated reforms and ensuring successful EU integration. This was the key message of the Dialogue Session ‘Regional Readiness for Ukraine’s EU Integration’, held on 20 of November in Kyiv as a satellite event of the EU Enlargement Forum.

The event was organised by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and the Government Office for Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, with the support of the Ukraine2EU Programme. The session brought together representatives of the Government, Parliament, regional authorities, and high-level advisers and experts from the EU and Ukraine. 

The participants discussed the ways to translate findings and recommendations of the 2025 EU Enlargement Package into concrete actions across the country and to prepare Ukrainian regions for the opportunities and responsibilities that EU membership brings.

“Regions and communities play a role equal to that of the central government, as the real change that drives development happens locally,” said Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration. “Our regional policy must operate in the European logic of cohesion and create conditions for growth. The government provides the framework and coordination, but your role in preparing for EU membership is decisive.”

“Ukraine is strongly committed to its EU accession path. This is recognised in our 2025 Enlargement Package which shows steady progress since the first report in 2023 and includes recommendations for priority reforms for the coming year, including in the area of rule of law and the fight against corruption,” said Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine. “The European Union will continue to support Ukraine every step of the way towards EU membership.” 

The Ukraine2EU Programme is the EU flagship initiative designed to assist Ukraine in successfully completing its EU accession process and preparing for EU membership. It is implemented by the Lithuanian Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) and co-financed by the European Commission, Denmark, Lithuania, and Sweden.

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Press release