European Commissioner Remains Optimistic About EU-Ukraine Association

KYIV, Ukraine, October 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Ukraine makes great progress in fulfilling the conditions necessary for signing the Association Agreement, which brings it closer to the EU. Such statement was made by the European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, Štefan Füle during his meeting with President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych. The EU politician expressed hope and optimism that the political dialogue with Ukraine would continue to enhance and develop after the Vilnius summit in November 2013.

Expressing content with the increased interaction between the EU and Ukraine, the EU official highly regarded the progress of Ukraine toward meeting the conditions set by the European Union earlier. Ukraine has a clear understanding of how to reform election legislation and public prosecution bodies, he stated. In addition, the commissioner positively regarded the recent National panel discussion on the issues of Ukraine's European integration, which, in his opinion, promoted cooperation between the authorities and the opposition in the country.    

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych expressed no doubts as to Ukraine's commitments toward the EU. "Ukraine is about to fulfill all the criteria necessary for signing of the Association Agreement with the EU," he emphasized.

Notably, on October 10, 2013, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) has adopted the preliminary approval of the draft law on the strengthening of guarantees of judges' independence that had been coordinated with experts from the European Council and the Venice Commission. As to the final version of the draft law On Public Prosecution, it is expected to be reviewed by the Venice Commission next week, said the Ukrainian president.

On the issue of the former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, both the EU Commissioner Füle and Ukrainian President Yanukovych have agreed that the decision must be found within the mission of Cox-Kwasniewski.  

Suffice it to say both officials are looking forward to the upcoming Eastern Partnership summit, scheduled to take place on November 28-29 in Vilnius, Lithuania. "I am confident that the way we are going jointly opens new opportunities in the nearest future and the atmosphere of trust will facilitate it," said President Yanukovych. "I am optimistic about the Summit in Vilnius and the developments after it," Štefan Füle added.