On May 9, Europe Day, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal welcomed in Lviv the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, as well as foreign ministers and representatives of EU Member States and other European countries.

In total, delegations from 35 countries and the Council of Europe took part in meetings held in Lviv that day.

The visit began with a tribute at the Mars Field of the Lychakiv Cemetery, where diplomats honoured the memory of Ukrainian heroes who gave their lives defending Ukraine and all of Europe from Russian aggression.

Later in the day, Lviv hosted a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers with the participation of Ukraine, chaired by High Representative Kaja Kallas.

“Today, on Europe Day, all of Europe is here in Lviv. The centre of European policy has moved to Ukraine. This is a powerful demonstration of support. Europe is united, strong, and effective — despite all challenges,” emphasised Andrii Sybiha.

The Foreign Minister thanked his European counterpart, Kaja Kallas, for her key initiative to provide 2 million artillery shells for Ukraine and for the EU Member States that have already pledged to deliver over 1.35 million shells in 2025. He noted that efforts to increase this number are ongoing.

Andrii Sybiha also highlighted the creation of new, effective EU tools for the long-term development of the European defence industry.

“This marks a new era in European defence. Our goal is the accelerated integration of the Ukrainian and European defence industries. This will strengthen Europe’s defence with our unique technologies and reinforce our defenders on the battlefield,” the Ukrainian diplomat said.

According to the minister, these new instruments will accelerate technological modernisation and the integration of Ukraine’s defence industry into European supply chains.

Following the EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting — with the participation of Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, High Representative Kaja Kallas, Minister Andrii Sybiha, and ministers from EU Member States — a Statement of Intent was signed to transfer funds provided by the European Peace Facility from extraordinary net revenues to support Ukraine’s defence industry.

The head of Ukraine’s diplomatic service underlined the importance of the EU’s defence-related decisions adopted that day. He reported that this includes the allocation of a second tranche of revenues from frozen Russian assets to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities, as well as the signing of contracts between Ukraine and Denmark, the Netherlands, France, and Italy worth approximately one billion euros for the procurement of weapons from Ukrainian manufacturers.

The parties also devoted special attention to Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations. The Foreign Minister emphasised that Ukraine is ready to begin opening negotiation clusters immediately and that the process should not be delayed. He noted that the next round of consultations with the Hungarian side is expected in the coming days, and added that Kyiv remains committed to a constructive dialogue and expects fair treatment.

Andrii Sybiha expressed deep gratitude to Kaja Kallas for her leadership in strengthening Europe’s defence and supporting Ukraine. The Minister also thanked the EU Member States for their comprehensive support of Ukraine in resisting Russian aggression.