The latest edition of the Media Digest covers publications on the main events in May that reflect the state and prospects of relations between the European Union and Ukraine.
Happy Europe Day!
While Ukraine, like the rest of the world, has long celebrated the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation on 8 May, Europe Day was first celebrated on 9 May with the European Union. Europe Day, along with its anthem, flag and slogan, is the official symbol of the EU and was established to commemorate the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950.
To demonstrate Europe’s unity with Ukraine and the irreversibility of Ukraine’s path to the European family, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv on 9 May.
«President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine know exactly what they are fighting for»
The 2023 Charlemagne Prize was awarded to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine in Aachen. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: «Ukraine incarnates everything the European idea is living for: the courage of convictions, the fight for values and freedom, the commitment to peace and unity. This is why I am convinced that Ukraine will prevail, it will win peace and make its European destiny come true».
Russia must not hope for «EU fatigue on Ukraine»
The European Union’s top diplomat Josep Borrell has said that in 15 months of war, Russia has not given up its intention to «subjugate» Ukraine and continues to destroy it. That is why it is essential to provide long-term instruments to support Kyiv. He supported the supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine to enable it to respond adequately to Russian aggression. According to Borrell, the only acceptable formula for peace today is the one proposed by Ukraine itself.
EU-UKRAINE:
ACCESSION ALGORITHM
Seven criteria that really determine the future
EU Ambassador, Matti Maasikas: EU welcomes Ukraine’s law enforcement reform strategy
Stronger together!
Ukraine has joined the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism, the world’s largest system for coordinated international assistance in emergency situations.
Since the start of the war with Russia, thousands of tons of humanitarian aid have been delivered to Ukraine through the Mechanism, and in October, Ukraine received a roadmap to join the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
ECONOMY AND FINANCE
For the first time European Commission presents economic forecast for Ukraine
Import duties put on hold
European Innovation Council to support Ukrainian deep- tech startups
Digitization as a guarantee of transparency and a tool for rebuilding communities
In February, the EU decided to allocate €17.4 million to Ukraine as part of the Digital Transformation for Ukraine project to ensure the introduction of efficient and accessible public services and rapid response to the challenges of the war.
In addition, the principles of digitization will be (and are already being) implemented by municipalities. As Ukraine rebuilds, this should become a tool for the transparent use of large sums of money, including donor funds.
ENERGY AND THE EUROPEAN
“GREEN COURSE”
Ukrainian gas storage and European energy security
The European Commission has launched the REPowerEU initiative to overcome the EU’s dependence on gas from the aggressor country by 2030. In particular, it aims to create fuel reserves in case of force majeure and for a sustainable heating season. The main requirement for the storage facilities is independence from structures linked to Russia: any operator must be certified and prove it.
What does this mean for Ukraine?
Covenant of Mayors: recovery and development strategies for Ukraine
MEDICINE AND SOCIAL PROTECTION
