The continued security and prosperity of the European continent depend on the EU's enlargement. Adopting EU decisions that will help to meet Ukraine's military needs and increase arms production in Europe is also in the long-term interests of the European Union. 

This was stated by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba on Monday, December 11, 2023, during a speech at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels.

Dmytro Kuleba noted that today we are talking not only about Ukraine, but also about other countries that have finally received a signal that the EU is ready to successfully expand and develop.

In this regard, he informed the EU member states that Ukraine has fulfilled the recommendations of the European Commission necessary for the opening of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.

"It is not an exaggeration to say that Ukraine is the only country in the world that is able to successfully implement reforms in the conditions of a full-scale war against a powerful enemy. It's time for the European Union to make a historic decision that will pave the way for the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession," said Dmytro Kuleba.

The Foreign Minister paid special attention to military assistance for Ukraine, as well as the creation of a common European space for the production of weapons and military equipment.

"We look forward to the EU taking the necessary decisions as soon as possible to launch the Ukrainian Fund for 2024–2027, which will provide long-term support to Ukraine," he said.

In this regard, the minister outlined steps that will meet the priority needs of the Ukrainian defense forces, including artillery ammunition, FPV drones and other types of weapons.