Ukraine has made significant progress in integration with the European Union, particularly in the area of foreign policy and security.
This was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiga.
According to him, the level of compatibility of Ukraine's foreign policy, as well as security and defense policy, with relevant EU policies is unprecedentedly high. This was confirmed during the screening process of legislation under negotiating chapter 31 "Foreign, Security and Defense Policy", which was completed in early March this year.
"The level of Ukraine's adherence to EU foreign policy statements and decisions, which is one of the criteria in negotiations and accession, is 95% at the end of 2024, and 100% at the end of the first months of 2025. The successful screening and its preliminary conclusions are the result of Ukraine's long-term work towards synchronization with EU best practices and the European Union's common policy in the field of foreign relations and security," the minister noted.
Sybiga also added that the Ukrainian side is currently awaiting the official screening report of the European Commission and, accordingly, the decision to open negotiation cluster 6 "Foreign Relations". This decision may be made after the opening of cluster 1 "Fundamentals", which should be opened first.
Ukraine's chief negotiator with the EU is the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine - Minister of Justice Olga Stefanishyna. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is the main coordinating institution on the Ukrainian side in the negotiation process under Chapter 31 "Foreign, Security and Defense Policy".
In addition, about 30 other government agencies and experts are involved in this process.
By the way, Ukraine's European integration will help ensure the strategic autonomy of the European metallurgical industry from Russia, and will also provide security in this area. Therefore, Ukraine and the EU are mutually interested in cooperation and see many opportunities for synergy.