In a virtual meeting on Tuesday, senior members of the European Parliament and Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada reiterated their strong support for Ukraine’s path toward

EU membership.

This second inter-parliamentary session brought together committee chairs, MEPs, and Ukrainian lawmakers to assess progress and deepen cooperation ahead of Ukraine’s future accession. Leaders from both sides underlined their joint commitment to democratic values, Ukraine’s resilience, and a united European future. They also reviewed ongoing collaboration and pledged to intensify efforts moving forward.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola addressed participants via video, stating, “Ukraine belongs in the European family. Their reform progress proves they’re ready for accelerated accession talks. Our response must be equally strong—more action, more resolve.”

Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked the EU and the European Parliament for their continued support since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. He emphasized Ukraine’s determination to pursue reforms, saying, “We are fully committed to the reform process.”

Throughout the meeting, both Ukrainian and European representatives highlighted the deepening ties between Ukraine and the EU. They stressed the importance of legal and economic reforms and reaffirmed their shared foundation in democracy and rule of law.

Discussion topics included post-war recovery, infrastructure, energy, environmental restoration, sanctions, and justice. Ukrainian participants expressed gratitude for EU support and urged continued assistance—including the confiscation of frozen Russian assets and accountability for Russian war crimes. Some MEPs also called for stronger security guarantees to help Ukraine deter future aggression.

Both sides committed to maintaining close cooperation and sharing best practices as Ukraine continues its EU integration journey.

Background

Since the first Inter-Committee Meeting in April 2023, European Parliament committees have engaged in regular bilateral talks with their Ukrainian counterparts, fostering deep sectoral cooperation.

The EU formally opened accession negotiations with Ukraine at the first Intergovernmental Conference in June 2024. Preparations for negotiations in specific policy areas are now underway, guided by an established framework. Photo by President Of Ukraine, Wikimedia commons.