Ukraine pitches country as EU’s ‘industrial core,’ seeks deeper trade, defense ties
Kyiv ready to become ‘full-fledged participant in the EU single market,’ says Denys Shmyhal
ISTANBUL
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Thursday that Ukraine can become the “industrial core” of Europe’s defense sector as he urged the EU to accelerate trade and defense integration with Kyiv.
Shmyhal invited European defense companies to partner with Ukraine when he spoke at the inaugural Ukraine-EU Business Summit in Brussels.
"Europe needs rearmament and greater strategic defense autonomy, and Ukraine can become its industrial core,” he said. “We offer skilled talents, production capacity and strong investment incentives.”
He added that Ukraine is ready to become a “full-fledged participant in the EU single market.”
“We call on the European Commission and the European Union to accelerate this progress at every level," Shmyhal added.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos echoed Ukraine’s ambitions, highlighting the country’s growing integration with the EU.
"Ukraine will be much deeper integrated in the European economy -- not only at the point of membership, but already, long before. It is already happening," she said.
She cited energy cooperation as a key example.
“We agreed on an ambitious energy security package with Ukraine. It will fully integrate the country into the EU electricity market by 2027,” she said, calling it a “game changer” for investors in renewables and grid modernization.
“We are also accelerating Ukraine’s integration into other parts of the single market to simplify business, strengthen value chains and create new opportunities for both Ukrainian and European companies,” she added.
In a video message, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reiterated Italy’s commitment to Ukraine’s European future and announced preparations for an upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome.
"The private sector will have a key role. It's crucial in the future of the country,” he said.
Polish Minister for European Affairs Adam Szlapka stressed the geopolitical importance of Ukraine’s recovery.
"We are standing today at the decisive crossroads in our history ... A strong, secure and prosperous Ukraine benefits us all,” he said.
He said European businesses have a vital role to play in rebuilding Ukraine and said European investment will be “instrumental in unlocking Ukraine's full economic potential."
“Ukraine’s story is one of resilience, courage and hope. By investing in its recovery, we reaffirm the very principles upon which the European Union was built,” he said.
