Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada to open representative office at European Parliament

Ukraine intends to establish a representative office at the European Parliament in the near future, according to Ukrinform, citing Verkhovna Rada Chair Ruslan Stefanchuk. This move aims to enhance interaction with EU institutions and progress towards EU accession. The office will be structured similarly to the existing European Parliament office in Ukraine.

Stefanchuk pointed out that several pivotal decisions benefiting Ukraine initially emerged as EU initiatives, resolutions, and amendments. He underscored the strong relationship with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, affirming ongoing parliamentary diplomacy expansion with Northern European and Baltic nations, including planned visits to Reykjavík and Helsinki.

Additionally, cooperation within the G7 parliamentary framework is a significant priority, with Ukraine's fifth participation in the G7 Speakers of Parliament Summit planned for September 10-12 in Paris. Stefanchuk identified advancing Ukraine's EU accession negotiations and forming new negotiating clusters as a critical focus. He emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with EU member state parliaments, which will ultimately ratify the final decision on Ukraine's membership.

Intensifying dialogue with Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia is also a priority, involving the first official visits to these nations in a long time. Stefanchuk highlighted the need to maintain communication with Poland to address bilateral issues and protect the rights of Ukrainian citizens living there, amid reports of attacks against Ukrainians.

Stefanchuk affirmed that no one has the right to mistreat Ukrainian citizens, and protecting their rights is a shared responsibility.