"Europe has a special responsibility and strategic interest to stand by Ukraine at every step.

Ukraine wants to be a part of the European Union, and we want Ukraine to be a member."

APA reports that the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said this during her speech at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Lugano, Switzerland.

He said that Ukraine is very eager to work with the EU towards membership, and the EU will do everything in its power to support these efforts:

"The path to a stronger Ukraine and the path to European integration are both the same.

Through the reconstruction platform, the European Commission can offer Ukraine its extensive experience in implementing programs that combine reforms and investments."

The President of the European Commission added that cooperation between the parties will become more intense with Ukraine's candidate status.

"In addition to our own experience, we will take into account important opinions from outside.

So, Chancellor Scholtz and I will organize a high-level international conference after the summer, in close cooperation with international partners.

We want to bring together the brightest minds in restructuring and leading global experts to ensure that our commitment is delivered in the right way.

It will also give additional confidence to all investors: Your money will not only serve a good cause, but will also be spent effectively," added Ursula von der Leyen.