Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva met with Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service Enrique Mora, who is on a visit to Ukraine.
During the meeting, the parties discussed key issues on the agenda of cooperation between Ukraine and the EU, in particular, they reviewed Ukraine's further steps towards European integration and noted the progress made by our country in implementing seven recommendations of the European Commission.
"We expect the European Council to approve a decision in December this year to launch negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the EU after the European Commission provides a corresponding recommendation in October," emphasized Ihor Zhovkva.
The parties also discussed the EU's sanctions policy towards Russia, the content of the 12th package of sanctions, as well as the need to further tighten the EU's sanctions against the aggressor and counteract attempts to circumvent sanctions.
Attention was paid to the issue of providing defense assistance to our country by the EU states and the importance of the successful implementation of the EU's joint plan to supply artillery munitions to Ukraine was emphasized.
In addition, the two sides exchanged views on the next steps in the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and preparations for the Global Peace Summit. The important role of the EU in supporting all points of the Formula and the need for broader involvement of the leading countries of the Global South in its implementation were emphasized.
"A just and lasting peace can be achieved only after the withdrawal of Russian occupation forces and the liberation of the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. And this axiom must be understood by all our partners," emphasized Ihor Zhovkva.
The interlocutors also discussed preparations for the third Crimea Platform Summit to be held on August 23 in Kyiv.