On 17 March, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko delivered an online address on behalf of Minister Andrii Sybiha at the conference entitled “Thirty Years of Cooperation and Commitment: Turning Policy into Action”, marking the 30th anniversary of the Executive Secretariat of the Central European Initiative (CEI), held in Trieste.

In his statement, he underscored the pivotal role of the CEI in strengthening regional cooperation, supporting the European Union’s enlargement process, and consolidating European unity, particularly in the context of the security challenges caused by the ongoing aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.

Olexandr Mischenko emphasized that Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine remains the principal challenge to European security, and that achieving peace in Europe is impossible without establishing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

According to him, Ukraine’s resilience is based on three key pillars: the heroism and professionalism of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the endurance of Ukrainian society, and unwavering international support. He stressed that such support is decisive for strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities and ensuring the security of the entire European continent.

It was also highlighted that Ukraine defends Europe not only on the battlefield, but also through the implementation of reforms, the development of partnerships, and the strengthening of good-neighbourly relations. Even amid the war, Ukraine contributes to the EU’s competitiveness, security, the functioning of the Single Market, as well as to food and energy security.

In this context, Ukraine is already a strategic partner of the European Union, and its future membership — together with Moldova and the countries of the Western Balkans — should be regarded as a key element of long-term security and stability in Europe.

The Ukrainian side also expressed gratitude to the CEI for its support and particularly acknowledged the leading role of the Secretary General of the Executive Secretariat, Franco Dal Mas, in providing practical assistance to Ukraine.

The Deputy Minister confirmed Ukraine’s readiness to assume the CEI Presidency in 2027, noting that it will provide an opportunity to further strengthen regional cooperation, advance European integration, and implement joint practical projects.

The importance of close cooperation with Romania, which currently holds the CEI Presidency, was also emphasized to ensure continuity and effective implementation of shared priorities.

In conclusion, Olexandr Mischenko expressed gratitude to the CEI Member States for their support of Ukraine in countering Russian aggression and underscored the importance of continued international assistance for Ukraine’s recovery and its integration into European structures.