--- title: "Zelenskyy names three priorities for EU integration: from security to survival this winter" description: "Volodymyr Zelenskyy has identified three key areas for work with the EU: continental security, sectoral integration, and critically important support for the winter. Despite the blocking of negotiations by Hungary, Kyiv is aiming to open new accession clusters. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ" date: 2026-08-04T16:16:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/zelenskyy-names-three-priorities-for-eu-integration-from-security-to-survival-this-winter tags: [zelensky, ukraine, eu, european-union, sergey-koretsky] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Zelenskyy names three priorities for EU integration: from security to survival this winter ![Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his desk discussing EU integration priorities: security, energy, and winter survival](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/04/zelensky-prioritety-evrointegratsii-bezopasnost-zima/zelensky-prioritety-evrointegratsii-bezopasnost-zima-1.webp) Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined Kyiv's strategy in negotiations with Brussels. During a meeting with key government figures and the Office of the President, three main directions were identified that will serve as the foundation for accelerating the country's accession to the European Union. The main goal is not just political accession, but ensuring the security of the entire continent. ### Security as the main argument During a meeting with Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky, Deputy Prime Minister Vsevolod Chentsov, and advisors of the Office of the President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine's accession to the EU is a matter of survival and stability. According to the head of state, integration should be viewed as a security task for both sides. "Ukraine is working towards full accession to the European Union, and we view this not only as a political or economic task, but as a security task โ€” for us and for the European Union," the President stated. Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine's membership would eliminate the geopolitical uncertainty that Russia has used for decades to destabilize the region. Furthermore, it would allow the European Union to strengthen its defense potential by combining it with Ukraine's military experience. ### Sectoral integration and practical steps The second priority is to maximize the use of sectoral integration opportunities right now. The President urged member states to view Ukraine as an integral part of European processes. This should become a catalyst for member states' leaders to make final political decisions. Currently, two clusters have been opened in accession negotiations. Kyiv is preparing to open four more, although the process is not without difficulties. Earlier, the Financial Times reported that Hungary blocked negotiations on opening two clusters. Prime Minister Viktor Orbรกn's team insists on slowing down the pace of Ukraine's EU integration. The reason for the blockage is cited as bilateral political disagreements, rather than Kyiv's level of preparation for negotiations. ### Support for resilience during the winter period The third and perhaps most relevant agenda item concerns the country's survival under current conditions. Zelenskyy emphasized the need to build relationships at all levels โ€” from Brussels to European twin cities โ€” to obtain specific aid packages. "Of course, we must build relationships at all levels in such a way that Ukraine receives the necessary packages and decisions to support resilience this winter," the head of state noted. Relations with European institutions and capitals must be as practical as possible and aimed at protecting the lives of Ukrainians amid the ongoing war and energy challenges.