Ukraine's NATO allies have provided recommendations on the priority reforms that Kyiv must implement to join the Alliance. This is stated in a joint statement following the first meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council (NUC) at the level of foreign ministers.
The communiqué did not specify which reforms. The statement is mostly general one.
In particular, it says that NATO Allies remain steadfast in their commitment to further step up political and practical support to Ukraine as it continues to defend its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, and will continue their support for as long as it takes.
A strong, independent Ukraine is vital for the stability of the Euro-Atlantic area. Ministers took stock of the implementation of the expanded package of political and practical support to Ukraine agreed at the Vilnius Summit. Ministers endorsed the NUC substructure and an ambitious work programme for 2024.
"In this context, NATO and Ukraine are already working and taking decisions together, as equals, on a broad range of issues, including interoperability, energy security, innovation, cyber defence, and resilience. We will further develop these work strands. The NUC has also proven to be a reliable crisis consultation mechanism. NATO continues to provide Ukraine with urgently needed non-lethal assistance," the statement said.
NATO is transforming the Comprehensive Assistance Package into a multi-year programme to help rebuild Ukrainian security and defence sector and to support Ukraine's defence in the long term. As part of these efforts, a roadmap is being developed for Ukraine's transition to full interoperability with NATO.
"We are also developing new projects on humanitarian demining, medical rehabilitation for wounded Ukrainian soldiers, and Ukraine’s defence industrial capacity on the basis of the strategic defence procurement review," the statement added.
For its part, Ukraine reaffirmed its commitment to continued democratic and security sector reforms.
"The NATO-Ukraine Council welcomes Ukraine’s presentation of its adapted Annual National Programme for 2024 and looks forward to its implementation. NATO Foreign Ministers will regularly assess progress through the adapted Annual National Programme. The Alliance will support Ukraine in making these reforms on its path towards future membership in NATO," the statement said.
It is not known what reforms are being referred to.