On 16 May, 2024 while on a working visit to Brussels, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Yevhen Perebyinis took part in an explanatory meeting for Ukraine and Moldova on the screening of Ukrainian legislation for compliance with EU legislation under Chapter 31 "Foreign, Security and Defence Policy". That was yet another step in the process of preparing for the start of negotiations on accession of Ukraine and neighboring Moldova to the European Union.

In his statement, Yevhen Perebyinis underlined the high level of Ukraine's readiness for negotiations on foreign, security and defence policy. In particular, he noted the level of compatibility between Ukraine and the EU within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).

Yevhen Perebyinis informed the EU side of the measures taken by Ukraine to improve the state sanctions policy in line with EU standards. He highlighted the introduction of the State Register of Sanctions in January 2024, aimed at providing transparent information on individuals and legal entities under sanctions.

The Deputy Minister draw attention to Ukraine's cooperation with the International Criminal Court in bringing Russia to justice for its crimes in Ukraine.

In addition, Yevhen Perebyinis stressed on Ukraine's readiness to be involved in the EU's defence initiatives, in particular within the framework of the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS). In this context, he underlined the importance of establishing the EU Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv. 

Representatives of the Government Office for the Coordination of European and EuroAtlantic Integration and other relevant Ukrainian governmental agencies also joined the explanatory meeting on Chapter 31 online.