The participation of European Council President António Costa and Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard in the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities demonstrates how interconnected Ukraine’s domestic matters already are with our country’s relations with the European Union. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he opened the Congress session in Uzhhorod.
The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine is de facto integrating into the European Union and is actively working to open negotiation clusters.
“All our cooperation programs are functioning today – primarily in defense, energy, and budgetary sustainability – which are so important for supporting our people. I greatly value all assistance and cooperation at the community level, between cities. European institutions are also working directly with communities. We are deeply grateful for this support and assistance,” the President noted.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked every community that provides Ukraine with economic strength, contributing to the country’s resilience and defense capability, and called on the Cabinet of Ministers to continue supporting the “Made in Ukraine” program.
The President noted that this week he expects a proposal from Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko regarding effective military risk insurance for frontline communities. He also stressed the importance of continuing, this year, support for Ukrainian troops from communities at a level of no less than 15% of their budget revenues.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked European friends who visit Ukrainian regions and see for themselves what Russia is doing and how important it is to maintain support for our country. Sufficient support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia are elements that provide pressure on the Russian Federation.
“Europe is organized in such a way that the voices of communities often carry no less weight than the voices of states. That is why it is important for communities to remain active,” the President said.
He also called for full implementation of agreements with partners. Work within all coalitions must be meaningful and produce results. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a concrete example is funding free school meals for all Ukrainian children. The program must operate in every school across the country.
The President urged government officials to take a more active role in addressing these matters, particularly in providing schools with buses, shelters, and necessary equipment. The Head of State also highlighted the pace of construction of underground schools in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson – regions that need them.
Particular attention was also paid by Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the integration of veterans into economic and social life. Veteran spaces, businesses, and the creation of jobs for veterans must be a priority for every community.
“I strongly urge the Government and the Office team to coordinate this work with particular focus, and within a month, propose a comprehensive, unified platform with all opportunities for veterans, both at the central level – in relation to the state – and within communities,” the President said.
In his speech, António Costa thanked Ukraine for the invitation and noted that this is already his third visit to the country. He highlighted the resilience of Ukrainian communities and assured the continuation of support from the European Union.
“I want to emphasize today how impressed we are by the reforms you are implementing, even during the war, on your land. This work must continue, and we will be alongside you to assist. We will support you in your efforts for peace, in future negotiations, and most importantly – in our shared future: Ukraine as a full member of the European Union,” said the President of the European Council.
