BRUSSELS - The Presidents of Ukraine, the European Council and the European Commission have welcomed the launch of the provisional application of important parts of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement as of 1 November 2014.
‘This follows the aspirations of the Ukrainian people, who have demonstrated their support for closer relations with the European Union,’ reads a joint statement spread late on Friday.
‘The Association Agreement will be a key instrument for carrying out the much-needed reforms in Ukraine in the years to come, underpinned by the EU’s support, ‘ reads the statement.
‘The provisional application will cover important areas such as the rule of law, the fight against crime and corruption as well as intensified sectorial cooperation.’
‘The inaugural meeting of the Association Council, which will define priorities and launch the monitoring of the implementation of the Agreement, will be held before the end of the year.’
‘We also welcome the extension of the EU autonomous trade preferences for Ukraine until the end of 2015 and reaffirm the importance of adequate preparations for the provisional application of the trade provisions of the Agreement as of 1 January 2016,’ reads the statement.
