Brussels, 19/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 18 September, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle welcomed the Ukrainian government's unanimous adoption of the draft association agreement with the European Union the same day. He saw this adoption as “clear proof of European choice”. “It is time to deliver on all outstanding issues for [the summit in] Vilnius”, he added. The EU wants tangible progress in the follow-up of the parliamentary elections, selective justice and the implementation of reforms in the association agenda. Sources have told EUROPE that the assessment, on the European side, of Ukraine's implementation of the criteria required for the signing of the association agreement could be made by the Foreign Affairs Council on 21 October.
The association agreement, including a deep and comprehensive free trade area, could be signed during the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius on 29 November if Ukraine fulfils the conditions demanded by the EU. At the end of August, Russia threatened Ukraine with economic retaliation if Ukraine signs the agreement (see EUROPE 10904). (CG/transl.fl)