Dear [Salutation],

The Centre for European Reform is pleased to invite you to a discussion between several of the key figures dealing with Ukraine's relationship with the EU: Katarína Mathernová, European Commission Deputy Director-General for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, and currently acting head of the Commission's Support Group for Ukraine; Mariia Mezentseva MP, Head of the Ukrainian Delegation to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly; Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Integration of Ukraine to the EU; and Natalie Forsyuk, General-Director of Ukraine's Governmental Office on European Integration and NATO.

Almost since Ukraine gained its independence in 1991, its leaders have sought EU membership. Finally, as Russia has launched a full-scale war on Ukraine, seeking to force it into Moscow's sphere of influence, the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has proclaimed that "These brave people who defend our values with their lives belong to the European family". Ukraine has submitted its membership application; now the European Council has to decide whether to start the formal accession process by giving Ukraine candidate status. Will the EU offer Ukraine a fast-track to membership, or keep it in a waiting room for the foreseeable future?

After introductory remarks by Ms Mathernová, Ms Mezentseva, Ms Klympush-Tsintsadze and Ms Forsyuk, our Director of Foreign Policy, Ian Bond, will moderate a discussion with the audience. To encourage frank exchanges, this meeting will be held under the Chatham House Rule.

The event will take place at the CER's Brussels office (The Library Ambiorix, Square Ambiorix 10, 1000 Brussels), though participants are also able to join remotely via Zoom. Please indicate your attendance type via the RSVP form below. In-person spaces will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis; once we have reached in-person capacity then attendees will be asked to join remotely. Tea and coffee will be served for in-person attendees from 10:00 and the event will begin at 10:30 Brussels time.