You're reading: Ukraine vows to follow European integration way, says Barroso

Brussels – Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has confirmed his commitment to move forward in relations with the European Union, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has said. 

At a press conference on the results of the 16th EU-Ukraine Summit that was hosted by Brussels on Monday, Barroso said the summit took place “at a very important moment in our bilateral relations, a moment for defining Ukraine’s European choice, a moment for defining our further relations with our Eastern partner.”

“I’m glad that President Yanukovych, on behalf of Ukraine, expressed a clear commitment to seeking opportunities for movement forward in the reform implementation process and for the promotion of democratic values,” he said.

In connection with this, he noted that the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, had reaffirmed these commitments on February 22 in its statement on the support for the country’s aspirations for European integration.

“Now we have to turn these political statements into specific results, and I’m waiting for specific actions in the three key areas. These are realistic criteria that can be achieved quickly. We are ready to keep assisting Ukraine in achieving this goal. You are not alone,” Barroso said.

He said that the summit had been a good one.

“Our task is to move towards political association and economic integration with Ukraine and other partners that are ready for this and want this,” he said.

Barroso stressed that Ukraine was a member of the European family.

“We wish all Ukrainians enjoy benefits from the signing and introduction of the Association Agreement,” he said.