Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held a meeting with a delegation of the Ukrainian–Austrian interparliamentary group, led by its chair, Henrike Brandstötter.
Ihor Zhovkva thanked the Austrian Parliament for its resolutions in support of Ukraine and Austria in particular for decisions within the EU regarding Ukraine, including the allocation of a financial package of EUR 90 billion and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.
The main topic of discussion was Ukraine’s full membership in the European Union. The Deputy Head of the Presidential Office expressed gratitude to Austria for its total support of Ukraine and assured that our country will continue to implement the necessary steps at a fast pace.
“Ukraine’s path to EU membership is now clear of political obstacles. The next step should be the opening of negotiation clusters in the coming months, and in 2027, a political decision on Ukraine’s accession to the EU, provided that all necessary membership requirements are fulfilled,” Ihor Zhovkva said.
It is expected that a decision on the clusters may be taken at the upcoming meetings of the EU Council at the level of ministers for European affairs in May–June this year.
The meeting also addressed the negotiation process for achieving a dignified peace and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Ihor Zhovkva thanked Austria for its active participation in the President of Ukraine’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative, as well as for organizing recovery and psychological rehabilitation programs for Ukrainian children in Austria.