"The enlargement of the European Union is not merely a political process; it is also a unique opportunity for our regions to develop on an equal footing with existing EU Member States." Vitaliy Hamanyuk, Member of Sheptytskyi City Council and EPP-CoR member of the European Committee of the Regions Young Elected Politicians (YEP) Programme, delivered this message during the debate on Local and Regional Perspectives on Enlargement with Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement, and Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, CoR Rapporteur on the 2024 Enlargement Package concerning Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia.
Hamanyuk emphasised that Ukraine is already implementing significant reforms. However, for these reforms to have a tangible and lasting impact, he proposed the following key initiatives including joint financial programmes for Ukrainian and European regions to foster sustainable development as well as active integration of Ukrainian communities into European initiatives on sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and environmental protection.
As an EPP-CoR YEP delegate, Hamanyuk stressed the importance of Ukraine’s active involvement in the work of the Joint Consultative Committees (JCCs). "These committees serve as platforms for close cooperation between the EU and candidate countries, and I am ready to actively contribute to this work—representing the interests of local self-government and supporting the reforms our country so urgently needs," he stated.
He added: "Today, Ukraine is paying the highest price for its independence and its European aspirations. This is not just an opportunity for our country but for all European nations. Now is the time to act, the time to take the right step together. Unity, solidarity, and support are the foundations upon which Europe’s future is built. And we, as Ukraine, are ready to become not just a part of this Europe but its driving force, its heart, and its hope."
He concluded with a call to action: "Let us build a future together where every region has the chance to develop and prosper. Ukraine is on its way to Europe, and together, we are moving toward victory!"