Sweden’s presidency of the Council of the EU should act as a driving force for the EU’s support to Ukraine – Zhovkva
Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva has had a telephone conversation with Christian Danielsson, EU Minister in the recently elected government of the Kingdom of Sweden, with Ulf Kristersson at the helm.
The relevant statement was made by Office of the President of Ukrainereports a Ukrinform correspondent.
The parties exchanged views on the situation with Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and agreed on the need to increase international pressure on the aggressor country and do everything to preserve European unity on issues related to the international isolation of the Russian Federation, increased sanctions pressure, and the achievement of complete independence from Russian energy resources.
Zhovkva noted Sweden’s strong political and practical support for Ukraine in the defense of independence, as well as readiness to actively participate in Ukraine’s reconstruction after the war.
The main focus was on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and the priorities for Sweden’s presidency of the Council of the EU during the first half of 2023. The parties coordinated their positions to achieve Ukraine’s progress on the European integration path and agreed to deepen the dialogue in this regard.
“Sweden’s presidency of the Council of the EU should be marked by the start of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and act as a driving force for continued and comprehensive support to Ukraine from the European community,” Zhovkva stressed.
The parties agreed on the need for Ukraine’s further integration into the EU’s internal market and the implementation of necessary reforms. Sweden’s experiences in this regard are particularly valuable for Ukraine.
“We expect that we will be able to use Sweden’s practical experience of joining the European Union to make further progress on the European integration path,” Zhovkva added.
A reminder that NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg noted Sweden’s significant contribution to Euro-Atlantic security, welcomed its swift accession to NATO and thanked Sweden for the support it has given to help Ukraine fight Russian armed aggression.
Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
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