Defining Ukraine's European Integration: Kyiv Conference Spotlights Verkhovna Rada's Strategic Role

The event was inaugurated by the EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, and the Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Ihor Zhovkva, gathering over 100 participants. This included high-ranking Ukrainian officials, civil society representatives, and international organizations, playing a key role in the discussion about Ukraine's future in Europe. This included Oleksandr Kornienko, First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, Chair, and Vadym Halaychuk, Deputy Chair of the Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the European Union.

Central to the discourse was the role of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Government in navigating Ukraine towards full membership in the European Union, emphasizing the parliament's function in fostering dialogue with the EU. Special attention was given to the importance of seeking consensus and mutual understanding among all political forces and establishing effective cooperation between the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the government for successful European integration.

Yuliya Shypilova, Programme Officer Eastern Europe at International IDEA, emphasized the importance of collaboration with all political groups in the European Parliament, announcing that International IDEA will facilitate the establishment of such cooperation and the study of the experience of organizing the work of political groups, particularly in terms of external and internal communication. In addition, Ingrid Walker, Programme Manager of INTER PARES (Parliaments in Partnership) funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA, highlighted the successes in creating cooperation between the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the parliaments of EU member states, especially in the context of European integration and the establishment of a budget office in Ukraine.

The event marked a milestone in Ukraine's journey towards European integration, with all participants commended for their unwavering dedication to Ukraine's cause. Together, strides are being taken towards a future where Ukraine achieves full membership in the European Union.