Olha Stefanishyna at the EBRD Business Forum: The only way to ensure the sustainability of Ukraine’s transformations is to strengthen our defence capabilities

The only way to ensure the sustainability of Ukraine’s transformations is to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities. This was emphasised by Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, in her online speech at the event held as part of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Annual Meeting and Business Forum in Yerevan, Armenia.

Among the discussed issues were the implementation of the Plan for the Ukraine Facility endorsed by the EU Council and the importance of Ukraine’s integration into the EU for the sustainability of the country’s transformation.

“The EU accession agenda has already become the main driver of systemic and democratic transformations in the country, and will be a key driver not only of recovery, but also of development, of adaptation of Ukraine as a country, as an economy, to its future in the EU and, above all, within the European internal market. This requires a huge number of sectoral transformations, alignment with European rules, and this process will begin with the start of accession negotiations. At the same time, the Ukraine Plan is a basic set of indicators that will allow us to track progress in key areas related to investment, economic sustainability, etc.,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

According to Olha Stefanishyna, the process of Ukraine’s accession to the European Union begins and ends with reforms in the rule of law and the functioning of democratic institutions. These transformations are primarily a requirement of Ukrainian society, and the state started implementing them back in 2014.

“The process of joining the EU has significantly accelerated this transformation and allowed it to be structured. Now, when Ukraine is on the verge of starting accession negotiations, our main task is to build a strategy for the sustainability of reforms and preserve their dynamics. In this process, we count on the support of our EU partners,” she added.

The Deputy Prime Minister paid special attention to the recovery and reconstruction of the country throughout the war.

“It is very important that we make every effort to ensure our recovery, to ensure the financial contributions that our partners provide to Ukraine. The only way to ensure the sustainability and proper utilization of these investments is to guarantee the safety and security of the Ukrainian economy, as well as the safety and security of the Ukrainian people who are building this economy. Without air defence, without the necessary security in the air component, this will not be possible. Rest assured, nothing can undermine our commitment to transformation. But we also need to make sure that these financial and investment opportunities are protected, to make sure that Ukraine’s air defence is strong,” the Deputy Prime Minister added.