Completing Europe: Ukraine’s integration is a strategic imperative

Ukraine’s membership in the European Union is about the completion of the European project.

Amid Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine and the hybrid war against Europe, European integration has become Ukraine’s defining national goal and the key source of our society’s resilience.

Accession to the EU is not merely an institutional or economic transformation. It is a guarantee of Ukraine’s democratic future — and of Europe’s own security, unity and trust.

Today, as the EU enters a decisive phase of its enlargement process, Ukraine is ready to move forward with determination.

The opening of the negotiation clusters serves as a framework for further structured reforms. Any delay sends the wrong signal and risks discouraging Ukrainians who defend European values every single day — often at the cost of their lives.

We are ready to pursue the necessary reforms, from strengthening the rule of law to aligning our markets and institutions with European standards.

But ambition alone is not enough: achieving our shared objective requires decisive political action from both sides. The European Union must match Ukraine’s determination with strategic clarity and bold decisions.

Clarity, determination and solidarity

Ukraine is not only a contributor to European security — shielding the EU from the Russian aggression — but also a driver of Europe’s future competitiveness.

Our strengths in key sectors — agriculture, industry, and IT — can reinforce the EU’s resilience and growth. Ukrainian agriculture enhances Europe’s food security and supports social stability across its regions.

Our industry, particularly metallurgy and energy, can become the backbone of the green transition and decarbonised supply chains.

Meanwhile, our dynamic IT sector offers unique human capital and technological innovation that strengthen the EU’s digital economy.

Ukraine's brave army and battle-tested defence industry should become an integral element of the new European defence infrastructure.

The enlargement process — revitalised by Ukraine — is unfolding in the 21st century under unprecedented geopolitical pressure. That is why it is crucial to preserve its transformative power, ensuring that enlargement remains convincing, tangible, and irreversible.

Confidence in the European project depends on whether the EU can rise to this moment — by embracing those who are already defending European values on the front line.

Ukraine is not asking for privileges — we ask for clarity, determination and solidarity.

Let us act together — for a safe, united, and competitive Europe.

His Excellency Vsevolod Chentsov is Ambassador of Ukraine to the European Union.

Euronews will broadcast its flagship EU Enlargement Summit live on its television and digital platforms, including YouTube, at 2 pm CET on Tuesday.