On July 5, as part of the All-Ukrainian Forum "Ukraine 30. International Politics", First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzhaparova took part in a discussion dedicated to the European Union–Ukraine Association Agreement.

In her opening remarks, Emine Dzhaparova stressed that the region between the Baltic and Black Seas is an area of freedom, security, and prosperity on the eastern flank of the EU, which Ukraine strengthens with its foreign and security policy. According to her, this makes Ukraine's membership in the EU historically inevitable.

The First Deputy Minister outlined key areas of Ukraine's security cooperation with the European Union, one of which she said was providing a joint response to modern hybrid threats. She noted that Ukraine has established itself as an important partner of the EU in this area.

Emine Dzhaparova also spoke about Ukraine's achievements in the development of our country's political association with the EU, in particular in the convergence of Ukrainian foreign and security policy, and that of Europe.

"This year, the level of Ukraine joining EU statements on international issues is over 90%. This indicator shows that by values and policies internationally Ukraine is already closer to the European Union than some candidate countries or potential candidates,” the First Deputy Minister stated.

At the same time, Emine Dzhaparova stressed, Ukraine does not consider the implementation of the Association Agreement as the ultimate goal of its relations with the EU, rather perceiving it as an instrument that brings us closer to the EU accession criteria.

When discussing Ukraine's intentions to expand the existing potential of the Association Agreement, the First Deputy Minister informed of the establishment of the Associated Trio – a new format of in-depth cooperation in the area of European integration between the three EU associate partners – Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova.

During the discussion, the First Deputy Minister also raised the issue of EU support for our state’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In this context, Emine Dzhaparova welcomed the recent European Council decision to continue building further EU relations with Russia on the basis of Russia's full implementation of the Minsk Agreements, as well as the possibility of additional restrictive measures, including economic sanctions.