Sabelova: Ukraine's EU Integration a Great Chance for Eastern Slovakia's Growth

Bratislava, 7 November (TASR) – The integration of Ukraine into the European Union will pose a major opportunity and could become an engine of economic growth, particularly for eastern Slovakia, and the Slovak Republic supports Ukraine's bid to join EU once Kiev meets the membership conditions, Deputy Prime Minister for the Recovery Plan and Knowledge-based Economy Alena Sabelova stated at a press conference held on the occasion of the international forum 'Slovak-Ukrainian Dialogue: Cooperation for Shared Prosperity' taking place in Bratislava on Friday. According to Sabelova, cooperation with Ukraine is one of the main areas of focus for the Deputy Prime Minister's Office. “This conference is yet another proof of the effort we have been devoting for more than two years to being part of the dialogue with Ukraine — not only at the European level, but also by involving our companies in business opportunities that Ukraine's reconstruction will bring,” she explained. Sabelova pointed out that Slovakia is the only EU member state that holds regular intergovernmental consultations with Ukraine at the level of prime ministers and individual ministers. There is also a joint action plan that identifies, defines, and tracks progress in key investment projects. One of the main goals of cooperation with Ukraine, according to the Deputy Prime Minister, is improving connectivity. Key transport projects include work on railway connections, development of road infrastructure, and the strengthening and modernisation of border crossings. She also highlighted the importance of developing energy infrastructure, especially interconnection of electricity grids. Sabelova stressed the need to make use of the potential of young talented people currently studying at Slovak secondary schools and universities. She reiterated the official position of the Slovak government, which supports Ukraine's EU integration. “We very much welcome the latest report by the European Commission, which states that Ukraine has made unprecedented progress in implementing key systemic reforms. We believe this pace will continue,” she said. However, she also emphasised that Ukraine must join the EU only when it is fully prepared. “The European Union itself is going through a very complex period and needs a strong Ukraine — not as a burden, but as a member that all current EU countries will look forward to,” the Deputy Prime Minister added. Ukrainian Ambassdaor to Slovakia Myroslav Kastran praised the ongoing dialogue between the two countries, of which the current event is also a part. “I believe that all participants of this conference, especially those who came from Ukraine today, will find good partners and that a number of agreements will be concluded between us, to be implemented in a very positive atmosphere,” he said. Kastran stressed that Ukraine values good relations with Slovakia. “We want to develop with the Slovak Republic not only neighbourly relations, but a truly strong partnership beneficial for both our nations,” he added. mf