Zelensky appoints man responsible for Ukraine's representation to EU

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed former Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka as Ukraine's Representative to the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom).

The relevant decree No. 1034/2026 was published on October 9 on the official website of the head of state.

"To appoint Taras Andriyovych Kachka as Representative of Ukraine to the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community," the document says.

The appointment officially confirmed the personnel changes that Zelensky announced back in July 2026. At that time, Taras Kachka left the post of Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, which he had held since July 2025.

On July 16, the Verkhovna Rada appointed Vsevolod Chentsov as the new Deputy Prime Minister, who had previously represented Ukraine to the European Union. Thus, the two officials effectively swapped their areas of work.

On July 17, Zelensky said that he intended to send Kachka to Brussels to continue negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union. The President stressed the need to interact more actively not only with European institutions, but also with the governments of individual EU member states to advance the negotiation process.

In addition, Zelensky announced that Kachka would combine the work of Ukraine's Representative to the EU with the functions of the country's trade representative within the framework of bilateral trade agreements with key partners.

Before moving to the position of Deputy Prime Minister, Kachka worked as Deputy Minister of Economy — Trade Representative of Ukraine. In this position, he dealt with international trade negotiations, relations with the European Union, and issues of access of Ukrainian goods to foreign markets.

The new appointment comes amid continuing negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. Kyiv hopes to make progress towards opening the next negotiating clusters, for which the support of all EU member states is needed.

Based on materials from: Office of the President of Ukraine, European Pravda, Suspilne.