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Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kęstutis Budrys, participated in the official launch of the European Union's flagship initiative, the “Ukraine2EU – EU Integration Support Programme for Ukraine”, which is implemented by Lithuania, Denmark, and Sweden.

According to the Minister, even when defending itself against the aggressor, Ukraine demonstrates determination and implements critical reforms for its future.

“Ukraine’s NATO membership is the most effective long-term security guarantee. However, the EU membership also has a security dimension - by implementing complex reforms and adopting European standards, Ukraine is creating a more stable and secure future. When there is sincere desire, it gets done. Regarding the goal of achieving Ukraine's EU membership before the year 2030, it is necessary to pursue it in a targeted manner, do the necessary work, and implement reforms. The positive impact of the membership on the country will be comprehensive. Ukraine's EU membership is also important for the security and stability of Europe as a whole,” said Budrys.

With a total budget of €14 million, the Ukraine2EU Programme, implemented by Lithuania, Denmark, and Sweden, will accelerate the EU integration process and help the institutions directly involved in it to implement all the necessary reforms.

The Ukraine2EU Programme is set for three years from 2025 to 2027 and is implemented by the Lithuanian Central Project Management Agency (CPVA). On the margins of the conference “Ukraine’s EU Membership: Not If, but When” that marked the official launch of the initiative, the Minister also held a meeting with the Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Minister of Justice Olha Stefanishyna.