EC chief highlights Ukraine’s EU accession as key security guarantee

European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Nicosia, Cyprus, on January 7, emphasising that Ukraine’s path to European Union membership is a vital component of its long-term security.

“Ukraine’s accession to the EU is a crucial security guarantee in its own right. It is a proven path to a more prosperous and stable future for the country. Our work is rapidly advancing," von der Leyen said in a statement on X, Caliber.Az reports.

Good to meet with @ZelenskyyUa in Nicosia today.

Yesterday’s agreement on security guarantees is a key step in our work towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

Ukraine’s accession to the EU is a crucial security guarantee in its own right.

It is a proven path to a more… pic.twitter.com/PVAnXLbXyh

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 7, 2026

She also described the security agreement reached the previous day as a significant step toward peace. 

On January 6, a “coalition of the willing” summit was held in Paris, attended by European leaders, US special envoy Steve Witkoff, and White House adviser Jared Kushner. The Ukrainian delegation, led by President Zelenskyy, also participated.

Following the Paris summit, Zelenskyy, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a declaration agreeing to the deployment of multinational forces to Ukraine once the conflict concludes.

By Sabina Mammadli