EasyBusiness team helps organize the first Ukraine-Netherlands intergovernmental conference
instituteOn April 12, 2025, Lviv hosted the first intergovernmental conference within the Ukraine-Netherlands dialogue supporting Ukraine’s path to EU membership. Initiated by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the event marked the start of a new form of strategic cooperation between the two countries, aimed at deepening ties, developing bilateral relations, and supporting Ukraine in implementing reforms and the steps needed for accession and future EU membership.
Participants included Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice Olha Stefanishyna, Netherlands Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp, and First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Serhii Kyslytsia. Around 100 officials from ministries in both countries attended, and the conference included high-level political consultations.
EasyBusiness’s (part of the Civitta Institute network) communications team handled the technical preparation and delivery of the event, while its European-integration analysts and experts helped coordinate thematic working groups on:
- rule of law, Russia’s accountability, and achieving justice
- agriculture
- energy
- social policy
Participants discussed prospects for Ukraine opening negotiating clusters as part of the accession process and welcomed the completion of screening for three clusters. Both sides reaffirmed that Ukraine’s EU membership prospects matter for the stability, security, and prosperity of the European continent, and stressed the need for continued gradual integration based on alignment with the EU acquis.
The next Ukraine – Netherlands intergovernmental conference was agreed for spring 2026, to be held in the Netherlands.
Advancing European integration and strengthening the government’s position in EU accession talks is one of EasyBusiness’s (part of the Civitta Institute network) three priority areas of work. Its team of European-integration analysts and experts is an active participant in EuroHub and continuously provides analytical support for the negotiation process, including analysis of EU recommendations.