European Union

On 16 June at the 13th EU-Ukraine Cooperation Council, the Cooperation Council welcomed the progress made in EU-Ukraine relations over the last year, recalling in particular the positive impetus provided in this respect by the EU-Ukraine Summit held in Paris in September 2008.

The Cooperation Council underlined the significant progress made in negotiations on the new EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. It stressed that the new Agreement would provide considerable scope for deepening EU-Ukraine relations.

The Cooperation Council also welcomed the successful outcome of consultations on the EU-Ukraine Association Agenda, and highlighted its potential to serve as the reference document for reform in Ukraine in the process of preparing for the entry into force of the Association Agreement.

The Cooperation Council emphasised the importance of the launch of the visa dialogue in October 2008 and took note of the progress made in technical discussions. The EU recalled that visa free travel for Ukrainian citizens to the EU was a long-term goal whose realisation depended on Ukraine's progress in the implementation of relevant reforms.

The Cooperation Council also underscored the value of deepened EU-Ukraine cooperation in a number of areas including energy, transport, environment and health.

The EU urged Ukraine to continue to make determined efforts to stabilise the economic and financial situation in the country, in cooperation with the IMF and other International Financing Institutions. It also stressed the importance of continued political and economic reforms and called for constructive cooperation among the country's institutions in this regard.

The EU recalled the critical importance of constitutional reform carried out in a transparent and inclusive manner. Ukraine was encouraged to continue consulting the Venice Commission in this process. Ukraine was also reminded of the importance of improving the business and investment climate, paying particular attention to fight against corruption, tackling red-tape and securing an independent judiciary.

In view of the forthcoming Presidential elections, the EU called on Ukraine to build on its reputation of conducting elections in accordance with international standards.

The Cooperation Council looked forward to making use of the opportunities provided by the Eastern Partnership to strengthen the EU's relationship with Ukraine and other Eastern Partnership countries, and welcomed the leadership provided by Ukraine in this regard.

The Cooperation Council welcomed further strengthening of cooperation in the area of foreign and security policy. It underlined in particular the importance of continuing good cooperation in the regional framework, notably on the Transnistria issue. In this context, the Cooperation Council welcomed the agreement to extend the mandate of EUBAM beyond 2009.

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