On 20 February 2024, José Luís da Cruz Vilaça, managing partner of CVA, took part in the conference "Ukraine's accession to the European Union: what is needed for a successful enlargement?", organised by the Portuguese Association of European Law (APDE) and the Institute of Political Studies of the Catholic University of Lisbon, together with the Ukrainian Embassy in Portugal. The aim of the conference was to debate the new enlargement of the European Union, and it was also part of the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the APDE, as well as the 20th anniversary of the largest EU enlargement in European history. 

At this conference, José Luís da Cruz Vilaça, who as Secretary of State for European Integration led the negotiations for Portugal's accession to the then European Economic Community, addressed the challenge of Ukraine's accession to the European Union and issues related to the functioning of the Union's judicial system and the protection of the rule of law in the enlargement process, whilst also highlighting the obstacles Ukraine faces in terms of judicial reforms, fighting corruption, among other requirements for accession.

In his words, "Ukraine is, unfortunately, used to threats and tragedies of historic proportions. Of course, accession is not a threat but it is a challenge." "Let me be clear: for Ukraine and the EU, accession is more than a right, it is a moral, political, and geostrategic imperative. Ukraine and the unity of a Europe of freedom and justice will prevail!"