I would like to start by saying how deeply I admire the courage and bride of Ukrainian people. Your bravery to fight against the terror, the brutal aggression of Russia, to preserve the freedom of Ukraine and democracy is simply remarkable.
In this fight you have also proven that your democratic institutions are strong, the country is operating well, the parliament is functioning, the government is working hard every day and the strong civil society is helping the ones in need all over Ukraine.
I am here in Davos to advocate for Ukraine’s right to become the candidate country to join the European Union. I strongly believe that to ensure peace and freedom in Europe, we must rethink not only our strategic approach to Russia but our thinking on EU’s neighbourhood where we have to find the courage to be much more ambitious. This means both in EU capitals but also in EU institutions.
This war has taught us that leaving our neighbouring nations who wish to belong in the European family in a limbo, is in fact escalatory and leads to conflict. Ensuring that democracy and peace will reign in Europe through continued European integration is plainly in our interest. The EU enlargement is a vital geostrategic investment into Europe’s security. There is no alternative to this.
Our goal must be to create a single strategic space in Europe, with no grey areas. We must focus on the regions where Russia wants to gain domination either through military force or corruption, and transform this vulnerable space into a European space. And this can be done, in particular, through being bolder in promoting EU and NATO enlargement, and using the Union’s wider peace, security, neighbourhood, development and cooperation instruments.
The war in Ukraine has taught us that investing in the resilience of partners in neighbouring states must be at the forefront of the EU’s neighbourhood policy.
It is important to acknowledge that the European Union’s strategic interest is that every country wishing to be with the EU or in the European Union, should have this possibility.
Enlargement has been the most effective tool to bring democracy, growth and prosperity into our continent. We must continue with this process.
How fast you become members, depends on your determination, acceleration of many reforms, overwhelming will and focus to seriously transform the country. Estonia is your friend and always willing to work by your side to fulfil Ukraine’s European dream. This is also why, we are glad to participate at today’s seminar, to share our expertise on digital transformation. I wish you all a productive talks.
Slava Ukrainu!
