Denmark will allocate €6 million to restore Ukraine's energy infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks. This was discussed during a meeting between Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice, Olha Stefanishyna, and a Danish delegation led by Denmark’s Minister for European Affairs, Maria Bjerre Holst, who visited Kyiv for the first time.
The meeting also included the Vice President of the European Parliament, Christel Schaldemose, and Danish Members of the European Parliament Morten Løkkegaard, Asger Christensen, Stine Bosse, and Marianne Vind.
At the beginning of the meeting, Maria Bjerre Holst announced a new aid package to support Ukraine's energy infrastructure, allocating €6 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund of the Energy Community.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Denmark, a leader among Ukraine’s partners in terms of assistance relative to GDP.
The parties focused on issues related to the EU enlargement process, Ukraine's accession to the EU, and the necessary transformations along the way.
“For us, maintaining a close dialogue with partners at all levels—both in Parliament and Government—is crucial. I am convinced we can build the most effective communication format. I am pleased to see representatives of the European Parliament from different political groups, yet from one country, consistently demonstrating their support for Ukraine. Your unity is very important to us, and we are grateful for it,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.
She updated her Danish colleagues on bilateral meetings within the framework of the screening of Ukrainian legislation for compliance with EU laws, particularly regarding the results of recent sessions on Cluster 2, "Internal Market." Speaking about internal reforms needed for dynamic EU integration, Stefanishyna highlighted efforts in the areas of rule of law and anti-corruption.
“Transparency remains one of the key demands of both society and our partners. Therefore, Ukraine’s EU accession process is completely open, structured, and highly inclusive in preparing the roadmap for rule of law reforms. At this stage, Ukraine has met key legal sector tasks: necessary institutions have been established, legislation enacted, and high integrity and ethical standards have been set for judicial candidates. Now it is essential for these institutions to operate according to the highest standards. This demands significant work, which is ongoing daily, and I assure you—we are fully committed to this path,” she stated.
Stefanishyna separately thanked Denmark for its support in strengthening anti-corruption policies:
“Even before the full-scale war, Denmark was among the leading countries supporting the rule of law and the transformation of Ukraine's anti-corruption and judicial institutions based on integrity. It is very important that this support continues today.”
The meeting also focused on the timetable for negotiations, particularly regarding Denmark’s EU presidency in the second half of 2025.
“The European Commission has recommended opening the first cluster in 2025, and we expect this to happen during Poland’s presidency early in 2025. Maintaining the pace of negotiations is crucial at this stage. Thus, opening discussions on Cluster 2, 'Internal Market,' within the next year is key for us. Together, we must develop sustainable solutions for economic integration and mutual market access between now and full EU membership. These issues are covered by the internal market, and I hope Denmark's presidency will facilitate the swift opening of this cluster,” Stefanishyna emphasized.
Maria Bjerre Holst reaffirmed that supporting Ukraine remains a top priority for Denmark, stating her country is committed to seeing Ukraine as a member of the European Union and will continue to provide comprehensive support on its path to integration. The MEPs also emphasized their consistent support for Ukraine at the European Parliament level.
