Brussels, 08/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 7 February, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle called on Ukraine to make progress on selective justice, shortcomings in the October 2012 parliamentary elections and reforms, putting pressure on the country with regard to the association agreement - which could be signed at the Eastern Partnership summit at the end of November 2013. Füle underlined that it is urgent and that “time is short”. “We cannot wait. The window of opportunity is now open. Because if we - Ukraine and the EU - miss the November deadline, there is nothing like the 'December deadline' or 'January 2014 deadline'. Timing matters in politics. And to generate a new political momentum, it will take months if not years if you look at the political calendar in the EU and in Ukraine”, Füle stated during a meeting with members of the Ukrainian government in Kiev.
He stressed that the roadmap for signing the agreement is in the hands of the Ukrainian government. “There is a historic opportunity to be seized, and this depends on your actions and commitment to reform”, he said, calling for inclusive action bringing together civil society and the opposition. “The European Union is committed to taking the significant step forward in our relations that a signing and provisional application of the association agreement would mean”, he continued.
Recalling that the outstanding issues and way ahead have been clearly identified, Füle called for “a clear sign of swift and tangible progress and commitment especially in the lead up to the EU-Ukraine summit on 25 February”. (CG/transl.fl)