On 28 November 2025, an educational webinar titled “EU External Relations and Enlargement: Implications for Ukraine” was held, organised by the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in cooperation with the INTER PARES Programme.

The keynote speakers were Davide Capuano, Head of Secretariat, European Union Policies Committee, Senate of Italy, and Francesco Peca, Senior Adviser, European Union Policies Committee, Senate of Italy

During the presentation part of the webinar, key issues were outlined, including the role of the national parliament in aligning foreign policy with EU standards, the Italian Senate’s approaches to strategic partnership with Ukraine, and the institutional expectations regarding Ukraine’s future status as an EU Member State. Particular attention was given to the main pillars of the European Union’s external action, especially the European Neighbourhood Policy, enlargement policy, security and trade cooperation, as well as efforts to promote democracy and protect human rights.

The webinar provided an important platform for fostering expert dialogue with parliamentary institutions across EU Member States, developing practical insight into how EU foreign policy is shaped at the national parliamentary level, and acknowledging both the obligations and opportunities that arise for Ukraine as it adapts to the external dimension of the acquis on the foreign policy track within the EU accession process.

Simultaneous interpretation was provided thanks to the INTER PARES Programme, ensuring broad accessibility for participants.