**EU Launches Program to Support Ukraine’s Membership Bid**
The European Union has launched a new program, worth 16.7 million euros ($18 million), to help Ukraine prepare for its eventual membership in the EU.
The program, called Ukraine2EU, was announced on April 1 at a conference in Kyiv. The initiative aims to support Ukraine’s institutions and civil society as they navigate the complex accession process, especially during wartime.
**Supporting Ukraine’s European Integration**
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budris emphasized that the program will provide strategic support to Ukrainian organizations involved in European integration efforts. He noted that Ukraine’s membership in the EU is crucial for the security and stability of Europe.
The three-year program, implemented by Lithuania’s Central Project Management Agency, will also receive support from Sweden and Denmark. These countries reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s EU future and urged continued reforms, particularly in the fight against corruption.
**EU Ambassador Weighs In**
EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Maternova said that the Ukraine2EU program is designed to build institutional capacity and ensure steady progress in Ukraine’s transformative journey toward EU membership. She noted that Ukraine has made quick progress, achieving candidate status within months, with negotiations formally launching in June 2024.
**Path to Membership**
Ukraine applied for EU membership at the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The country has made significant progress, and the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, said that Ukraine could potentially join the bloc by 2029 if it successfully implements necessary reforms.
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