The event was aimed to mobilise support for an expected EU decision before the end of 2023 to open EU negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and to discuss key aspects of Ukraine’s European integration. We wanted to demonstrate the unwavering commitment of the international community to Ukraine’s journey towards victory and integration into the EU and NATO, which is a prerequisite for sustainable peace on the European continent.

The solemn opening of the conference was chaired by President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola and Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Co-initiator of the United for Ukraine Network Ruslan Stefanchuk.

“Ukraine has long chosen its European path, but Russia’s brutal war of aggression has highlighted the urgency of its European integration. This integration into the European Union, one that is based on clear objectives, criteria and merit, serves as an investment in peace and security, stability and prosperity on the European continent. It is a process with an outcome that benefits everyone involved”.

 — said in her opening remarks, Roberta Metsola.

She stressed that Ukraine belongs in the European family and no war of aggression can stop that.

Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk in his speech talked on Ukraine’s important role in European security and the changes that Ukraine needs to make to become part of the European family.

“Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine has changed Europe. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has exposed many problems and pointed to the fragile structure of the security architecture.”

— said Ruslan Stefanchuk.

He noticed that the unity with Ukraine demonstrated during the invasion has become a catalyst for change and an obvious answer to the question of the future of the European Union.

The conference featured four main panel discussions on EU-Ukraine relations. They were dedicated to Ukraine’s victory, as a guarantee of sustainable peace in Europe, progress in Ukraine’s Integration in EU, confiscation of Russian frozen assets, and EuroAtlantic integration for Ukraine.

The roundtables were focused on legal and economic instruments of peace and justice, reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine, and understanding Ukrainian law on national minorities. 

The conference also included a partner side event dedicated to Russia’s responsibility and punishment for its crimes.

In total, 60 high-level guests contributed to the discussions of the conference by their expertise. Over 150 participants attended its activities throughout the day.

During the discussion on the key to sustainable peace on the European continent, ICUV co-founder Hanna Hopko noticed that it is really important to talk about a victory strategy for Ukraine, as a crucial part of this peace.

“The European weapon industry, European business community can do more for Ukrainian Victory. Because without Ukraine, without stability, security, without victory, sustainable peace in Europe is not possible”.

— Hanna summarized.

ICUV co-founder Olena Halushka moderated the discussion on the confiscation of Russian state assets in favour of Ukraine. She pointed out that Ukraine needs funds to fight and rebuild because the enemy is not going to stop.

“For us today’s debate and discussion is very important  because for Ukraine confiscation is not actually a theoretical or legal debate it is one of the precondition for Ukraine survival, victory, and justice. Especially if we are talking about the war, which will naturally face decrease in the available resources. As we see, Russia is very serious and very much all in to continue the war…. Our recovery and compensation for the victims of the Russian aggression can not wait till the war ends. We discuss political and legal obstacles to the confiscation and possibly ways to overcome them”.

— said Olena.

The high-level conference was organized by U4U, the International Centre for Ukrainian Victory, the ANTS Network and the Mission of Ukraine to the EU with German Marshall Fund, Ukrainian Prism.