Ukraine Eyes OECD Candidate Status This Fall After Zelenskyy Meets with Secretary-General.

Ukrainian President and OECD Leader Hold Key Talks

According to UATV: On June 23, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Their discussions focused on Ukraine’s potential membership in the OECD, its progress toward European integration, and ongoing anti-corruption reforms.

This marked Cormann’s fourth visit to Ukraine, signaling the OECD’s sustained engagement with the country. Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine has submitted an updated membership application, with hopes of achieving candidate status as early as this autumn.

'We are hoping to obtain candidate country status this fall' – Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Cormann underscored the critical need for peace in Ukraine and the wider region.

'We are committed to helping Ukraine achieve a just, secure, and lasting peace' – Mathias Cormann

Deepening Ukraine-OECD Cooperation

The meeting marked a significant step in strengthening ties between Ukraine and the OECD, while also advancing Kyiv’s initiatives on the global stage. Ukraine continues to push forward with reforms designed to facilitate its integration into European structures.

This high-level dialogue between Zelenskyy and Cormann represents a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s European integration journey, underscoring Kyiv’s commitment to aligning with international standards. Securing OECD candidate status, if achieved, could substantially bolster Ukraine’s economic and political connections with Western nations. It would also unlock fresh opportunities for investment and development—an especially vital prospect amid the country’s current challenges.