The Ukraine2EU program has been launched to support Ukraine’s Euro-integration efforts, helping the country become a member of the European Union. This was announced by the European Union Delegation to Ukraine.
This is reported by Kyiv24
This initiative is being implemented with financial support from the European Union and member states, including Denmark, Lithuania, and Sweden. The program has a three-year plan and a budget of 16.7 million euros, with its implementation carried out by the Central Project Management Agency of Lithuania (CPVA).
Support from Lithuania and Other Partners
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated:
“Lithuania has always been a strong supporter of Ukraine’s integration into the EU. We will continue to assist Ukraine on its path to the EU, building a stronger and more resilient country. Ukraine’s membership in the EU is crucial for the security and stability of Europe. Our goal is Ukraine in the EU by 2030.”
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized that the Ukraine2EU instrument opens new opportunities for a faster and more effective move towards membership. The program provides comprehensive assistance to the Ukrainian authorities in implementing reforms, harmonizing legislation, and strengthening institutional capacity. It also includes support for the Vice Prime Minister’s office on Euro-integration, the Verkhovna Rada, and civil society.
Strategic Importance of EU Membership
Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister for European Integration, noted:
“We are the first candidate country that is dynamically moving towards membership, despite the ongoing full-scale war. Therefore, the continuous support of our partners is particularly important, and the launch of this program will allow us to achieve our key strategic goal and become a full member of the European family of nations in the shortest possible time.”
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi emphasized that the program will help transfer the best practices of EU member states to Ukraine for a successful accession. In October 2024, the European Commission determined that Ukraine had implemented all necessary steps outlined in the 2022 conclusions. In December 2023, the European Council decided to start accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova to the EU. Both countries received candidate status for EU membership in June 2022.