Tusk: Carpathian Eight could help Ukraine advance toward EU membership

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said this during the official opening of the inaugural Carpathian Eight Summit in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, according to Ukrinform.

“We are all here today to demonstrate our solidarity with you, with Ukraine. I am absolutely convinced that our solidarity is more important than ever right here, in this region,” Tusk said.

According to him, Russia’s full-scale invasion has demonstrated even more clearly how important it is for Central European security to develop strong and lasting ties between states and societies.

He stressed that Russia’s actions pose a threat to everyone, not just Ukraine.

“Ukraine is fighting today, but we all need to be prepared for all possible scenarios. And that is precisely why solidarity and our presence here are so important, not only for Ukraine but also for our states and peoples. You are not alone, and you know that well. Despite all the obstacles and all the negative trends, I will always support Ukraine in its fight against aggression, because your sovereignty means sovereignty and security for Poland,” Tusk stressed.

The Polish Prime Minister also emphasized that the Carpathian format could help Ukraine on its path toward the EU.

“Our Polish experience here is quite clear: interregional cooperation is one of the best ways to adopt certain European rules, principles and methods of cooperation,” Tusk said.

He added that he has always supported EU enlargement, thanking the President of Ukraine for this important initiative.

Tusk also noted that relations between Ukraine and Poland include difficult issues from the past, stressing the importance of understanding one another and working together for the future.

As reported by Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the launch of a new transregional initiative – the Carpathian Eight (C8).