President Zelensky discussed Ukraine’s EU membership with Charles Michel

Source: president Volodymyr Zelensky

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, had a telephone conversation with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.

During the conversation, the parties discussed further steps on the way to the actual start of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU, as well as further comprehensive support of Ukraine from the EU.

President Zelensky thanked Charles Michel for yesterday’s approval by the EU Council of the decision to create a special aid fund for Ukraine in the amount of EUR 5 billion within the European Peace Fund.

In addition, the parties considered possible ways to increase the supply of artillery ammunition to Ukraine.

The leaders also discussed the importance of extending the autonomous trade preferences for Ukraine for another year.

In particular, during the conversation, president Zelensky emphasized that the continuation of the trade liberalization regime with the EU is a critical factor in supporting the Ukrainian economy during the war.

Amendments to Ukraine’s enforcement proceedings legislation, initiated by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, have entered into force. Among other measures, the reform provides for the automated lifting of attachments on bank accounts immediately after debts in enforcement proceedings have been fully settled. The main practical benefit for citizens is the complete elimination of the need to contact an enforcement officer in person and wait for paper decisions once the debt has been paid.

The 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade has received another batch of supplies as part of Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front military initiative. This time, the military received seven quad bikes and four mobile shower and bath units.

In my previous column, I wrote about social innovations in Ukraine. Those innovations are part of civic resilience and the democratization of security, which Europe is paying close attention to right now. The EU is trying to work out how to spread responsibility for its own security across society as a whole, rather than leaving it to institutions alone. It is looking for concrete ways to bring ordinary people into the work of defense and resistance.

Petro Poroshenko’s lawyers have appealed to the High Anti-Corruption Court demanding that NABU be obligated to register proceedings regarding the fact of exerting influence on the court and to recognize Petro Poroshenko as a victim in the case of the Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Iryna Mudra, due to her pressure on Supreme Court judges who were considering a lawsuit to overturn sanctions.

Internationally recognized brands and financial institutions should direct capital to Ukraine now, not waiting for the hostilities to end. This was emphasized by Rinat Akhmetov, president of FC Shakhtar, during a working visit to UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, where he met with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.