Kim: Ukraine has a lot to offer the EU in terms of healthcare and services

Vitalii Kim explained what European integration would bring to Ukraine. Photo: NikVesti archive

Vitalii Kim, Head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, stated that Ukraine could be of benefit to the European Union in the areas of digitalisation, healthcare and the development of public services.

He made these remarks on the «Novyny.Life» programme, responding to a question about what European integration would bring to Ukraine and how ordinary citizens might experience it.

According to Kim, Ukraine’s accession to the EU will, first and foremost, mean the introduction of clear rules, discipline and predictability, which will make it easier for businesses to plan their work.

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«In my opinion, first and foremost, it’s about rules and discipline. Because we’ve all been to Europe and understand that things are a bit different there. That is, rules, discipline, a daily routine, clear rules that don’t change. This makes it easier for businesses to plan. It’s, you know, like the classic model — how things should be everywhere. A Member of Parliament or a civil servant is an ordinary person who receives a salary, just like in Europe. And it’s not the most popular job,» he noted.

Vitalii Kim emphasised that long-term planning plays an important role in European countries, whereas in Ukraine decisions are often made with a short-term focus.

«We are firmly on this path and have already come a long way towards European integration. For me personally, it’s about rules, security and planning. Because Europe doesn’t live for just one year, or four years, as we plan there, but for 15. That’s why it’s strategic planning, clear rules and understanding for business,» he said.

He also noted that Ukraine already has achievements that may be of interest to the EU. Speaking about how European integration should be felt by people, he mentioned an increase in the average salary to €1,500–2,000, higher pensions and stronger social guarantees.

«We have a lot to offer Europe — in terms of digitalisation, healthcare and accessibility of services. But what I expect to gain from European integration is average salaries of around €1,500–2,000. It is an increase in pensions. It is, without a doubt, social guarantees, particularly accessibility for people with disabilities. We are currently actively implementing this agenda thanks to Europe. Because Europe, like Ukraine, guarantees equal rights for all people. What I expect Ukraine to gain is an increase in average wages, pensions and social standards. Because this is a socially oriented economy. It is access to European institutions that can draft the right policy documents. And improvements in people’s lives precisely through social guarantees,» said the head of the Regional State Administration.

It is worth recalling that the European Union’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, considers the city of Mykolaiv to be «reputable» and emphasised that the regional and city authorities are creating favourable conditions for attracting partners.

It was previously reported that Ukraine could close most of the negotiation chapters on accession to the European Union within 12–18 months and move on to signing the accession treaty as early as 2027.