Over 200 Ukrainian officials have learned the ins and outs of EU accession from Estonian experts

Over the past year, 60 Ukrainian officials have received training on topics ranging from anti-corruption efforts to the functioning of the EU’s internal market as part of a joint project between the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) and VTX Management. Since 2023, ESTDEV has provided this type of practical training to more than 200 senior Ukrainian officials. 

The project aims to support Ukraine's EU integration and develop officials' skills in coordinating accession-related reforms within their respective areas of responsibility. 

"For Estonia, as well as for the rest of the European Union, Ukraine's accession is of critical importance; it enhances regional security, expands our single market and our sphere of shared values, and eliminates the 'grey zone' beyond the European Union's borders," said Ave Schank-Lukas, head of the European Commission Representation in Estonia. 

In addition to strategic support, sharing Estonia's own accession experience helps Ukrainians better understand the practical aspects of the necessary reforms and avoid potential obstacles during the process.  

"The more integrated Ukraine becomes with European economic, political and legal organisations, the less likely it is that Ukraine—and Eastern Europe as a whole—will remain unstable, leaving room for Russia to play its own games. It is directly in the interests of both Estonia and Europe for Ukraine to integrate and transform its state and systems along European lines; this will bring stability, peace and a future to us all," said Märt Volmer, project coordinator and the former undersecretary for European Affairs at the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

According to the participants, Estonia's experience serves as an inspiration, though ultimately, everything depends on the willingness of the Ukrainian state and its people to carry out the reforms needed to join the EU.  

"The Estonian story is a powerful reminder that the size of a country does not determine the scale of its ambitions and achievements. Your experience provides us not only with valuable lessons but also with faith and confidence regarding our European future," said Yuliia Lukasevych, a department head at the Secretariat of the High Council of Justice. 

"Everything depends on Ukraine itself and on the Ukrainian people, who are prepared to make the necessary changes in their lives. We may receive support and funding from partner nations, but without our own willingness to implement change, we will achieve nothing," said Oleksandr Klymenko, a chief specialist at the National Agency on Corruption Prevention. 

The programmes were developed in close cooperation with the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, based on the needs and wishes of the Ukrainian people. Estonia continues to support Ukraine by sharing practical knowledge and its own experience to strengthen Ukraine's readiness to implement the reforms needed for EU accession.