Poland is one of the largest countries in Europe having practical experience of joining the EU, and it stands ready to act as a hub for Ukraine in its accession process.

This was emphasized by Pawel Kowal, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Sejm of Poland at the special event of the KSF, established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation.  

“Poland is, perhaps, one of the largest countries in Europe having its practical experience of joining the EU within the European Union enlargement policy framework. Poland enjoys its own interests for further EU enlargement. We are ready for negotiations, and we want to speed up such negotiations without signing any additional agreements or introducing any new rules within the context of enlargement”, - Mr. Kowal stated.

He also mentioned that there were around one hundred representatives, not solely Polish officials, but mayors, municipality heads, businesses, bankers, etc, participating in the International Conference on Reconstruction of Ukraine, held last week in Berlin. All of them convened to demonstrate Polish potential and capacities and share Polish experience of joining the EU.

Pawel Kowal stressed the importance of commencing negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.

“Reconstruction is of a key importance here. It is not only about restoring roads, bridges, etc, it is about reconstruction in the widest sense of the word. This is also the issue of getting ready – and Poland is quite an expert in this. We suggest that we act as a certain hub for Ukraine”, - Mr. Kowal emphasized.

He also mentioned that despite certain historical and political contradictions, Ukraine and Poland ought to be more pragmatic in building their partnership relations.

“We must be more pragmatic in these relations, considering all historical and cultural nuances of such relationships. We must stop putin, and we stand ready to act proactively here, as was the case to adopt the additional support package for Ukraine. Both Poles and Ukrainians must find a much-needed synergy: it is either this, or we forever remain discussing historical and other events, like blockade of the border crossing points back in February”, - Pawel Kowal emphasized.

“We must start writing a new chapter based on a more pragmatic approach. We shall benefit from such historic opportunities for Poland so that to ensure a new member state in NATO and the EU – Ukraine”, - Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Sejm of Poland summed up.

The Kyiv Security Forum, established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation is the major platform in this country to discuss matters of war and peace, national and global security.