European Council President Herman Van Rompuy has said that the EU is ready to sign the political part of the Association Agreement with Ukraine by May 25.
“We stand by Ukraine, and reiterated the European commitment to
signing the Association Agreement. Today we decided that as a matter of
priority we will sign very shortly the political chapters. This means:
before the Ukrainian elections of May 25,” he said at a press conference
in Brussels on Thursday after the EU summit on Ukraine.
He also confirmed the EU’s readiness to provide Ukraine with strong financial backing.
“We intend to adopt special trade measures to allow Ukraine to
benefit substantially soon from the advantages of the Free Trade Area.
We remain committed to the visa liberalization process, to encouraging
contacts between the citizens of the EU and of Ukraine. We stand ready
to assist also on energy security,” he said, outlining the EU’s position
on further actions for Ukraine.
He noted that from Ukraine’s side, efforts must continue towards free
and fair elections, constitutional reform and the investigation of all
acts of violence.
“As European Union, we have a special responsibility for peace,
stability and prosperity on our continent, and we are ready to take that
responsibility. Acts of aggression cannot be without consequences,” he
said.
Presidential elections in Ukraine are scheduled for May 25, 2014.
