Arseniy Yatsenyuk: Ukraine must become a member of the European Union and NATO. This is a part of my program

“Ukraine's membership in the European Union and NATO has no alternative,” – said the former Prime Minister of Ukraine, the founder of the Open Ukraine Foundation Arseniy Yatsenyuk, opening the 9th Kyiv Security Forum.

He stressed that the Ukrainians are actually seeking to join the European Union: “It means that the Ukrainians share the values of the European Union. This means that the European Union should demonstrate its’ unity, but now it is facing challenges as well,” – said Arseniy Yatsenyuk, adding that the referendum in the Netherlands is, in particular, one of those challenges.

“The EU has demonstrated that during all previous crises the countries of the European Union always were wise and strong enough to find a common language, a common consent and to put an end to a crisis becoming even stronger than before. As well as today's Ukrainian political establishment – it has also come out of the crisis stronger”, – said the founder of the Open Ukraine Foundation.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk noted that in today’s world the global security issues are directly and indirectly linked to the strength and unity within NATO: “There was, is and will be no another alliance that would ensure security in the world. That is why the challenges faced by the world and the countries of the free world, make the Allies to reconsider their policy.”

“Ukraine is naturally seeking to become a member of the European Union and a member of the Alliance. I clearly see that this is not going to happen right now or the day after. But I also understand well that there is no alternative fir this aspiration. And this is a part of my political program. The country should join the European Union and become a NATO member”, – he stressed.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk admitted that there were many difficulties, but difficulties fall on the shoulders of only those who are strong. “The free world’s strength is in its values and beliefs. We are the part of that free world. I do appeal to our Western partners: we are all united; we are all united not only in words, but in our common actions. Support the Ukrainian people – they deserve it,” – concluded the Ukrainian politician.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

The annual international event Kyiv Security Forum launched by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation Open Ukraine in 2007 is a platform for debate on the most pressing security issues in Europe and the Black Sea Region. 

Internet broadcast of the Forum:

9th Kyiv Security Forum (Ukrainian):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4bx8DXN4wk

9th KYIV SECURITY FORUM (ENGLISH)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEG5fdmhG2g