Ukraine's defence against unprovoked invasion is not just about liberating land that Russia has occupied, but also protecting fundamental rights. We are fighting to secure freedom, dignity and self-determination.
This is a struggle over Ukraine’s right to exist. It is about determining the country's future.
These are values that unite the wider European family of nations, which are completely foreign to the Russian Federation. For years, Russia has been fighting to suppress these values and deprive us of our rights. But Russia's efforts are futile, no matter how much military force it throws at us.
Ukraine is returning to Europe
Never before has a country fought for its European identity like Ukraine has, under the harshest of circumstances. On the fifth day of the full-scale invasion, in 2022, Ukraine applied for EU candidate status.
The European Union granted that status in June of that year, attaching seven prerequisites to accession negotiations. These included changes to media legislation, adopting laws that protect minority rights, and five measures pertaining to the economy and rule of law.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly identified two national strategic priorities: Win the war and ensure EU accession. Every meeting I have attended, as an active participant in that process on behalf of Ukraine's parliament, has begun and ended with him asking two questions: What progress has been made towards implementing the seven conditions, and when will we pass the necessary laws to allow for negotiations to proceed?
Our legislature has responded swiftly. We have already passed several of them, aligning Ukraine more closely to the EU. These “European integration” bills have a high priority and often receive cross-party support. Since most of the 28,000 EU-related acts did not require urgent implementation, Ukraine was able to officially start accession negotiations.
Customs and shadow market
Beyond legislation, Ukraine is one of the few countries to conduct an internal review faster than the European Commission's requirement. More than 80 state and public institutions took part in this audit to evaluate compliance with EU norms.
This does not mean there is not much work left to do. We are engaged in important customs reform. Legislation is in the works to improve customs regulations, which could add tens of billions of hryvnias (1 EUR = 44.5 UAH) to state coffers.
Data exchange is another focus, to reduce smuggling and abuse of customs services. Reform here will make it possible to monitor what is leaving EU territory so we can ensure that what arrives in Ukraine is what was sent. We must crack down on efforts to falsify documents, reduce duties and fees, and combat black market operations that allow companies to avoid taxes.
Much to do, but much has been done
Ukraine's efforts to exchange transparent customs data with the EU have been stymied by confidentiality issues, leading to fraud and forgery. This is surprising, given the successful operation of this exchange mechanism elsewhere, including with China.
In all, however, I am inspired by the progress we are making. Ukraine is committed to fulfilling its obligations. We are doing so under horrific circumstances.
No other country has fought for its rightful spot in Europe or paid such a high price for it. Ukraine did not ask for this difficult path, but from the battlefield to the parliament, we have proven ourselves worthy of the EU's embrace.
I hope the bloc will do so — and match the speed, urgency and sense of purpose that Ukraine has capably shown.