Von der Leyen speaks with Ukraine's new PM on EU accession

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held her first phone call with Ukraine's new Prime Minister Serhiy Marchenko, emphasizing continued close cooperation on reforms crucial for Ukraine's European Union accession process. Marchenko, formerly the head of state oil company Naftogaz, was sworn in as prime minister last Thursday.

Von der Leyen expressed satisfaction with the call on social media, stating, "Very good call with Serhiy Marchenko. We will continue to cooperate closely on the reforms that drive Ukraine's accession process to the EU." She also highlighted a recent drone agreement signed during her trip to Kyiv, which she said would enable the rapid, large-scale production of Ukraine's most innovative defense equipment, supported by European industry.

The discussion also touched upon the protection of Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure as the country enters its fifth winter of war. Marchenko's appointment comes amid a government reshuffling, which saw the departure of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a figure credited with significant advancements in Ukraine's defense capabilities. His successor is Yevhen Jmara, previously head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

While the European Commission declined to comment on the specifics of the new cabinet, spokesperson Paula Pinho acknowledged the "good cooperation" with Fedorov. Guillaume Mercier, the Commission's spokesperson for Enlargement, expressed confidence that the new government would prioritize European integration and transformation efforts. He reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting Ukraine's path to the EU, noting clear progress on reforms in rule of law, energy, and other key economic sectors.

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Very good call with Serhiy Marchenko. We will continue to cooperate closely on the reforms that drive Ukraine's accession process to the EU.