During their annual dialogue on human rights in Kiev on Tuesday 13 June, the EU called on Ukraine to continue its progress on human rights and the rule of law since the last dialogue in July 2016, according to a press release from the European External Action Service (EEAS) on Wednesday 14 June.
The press release states that "the EU highlighted the importance of harmonising electoral legislation and the appointment of members of the Central Election Commission whose mandate has expired". Discussions also covered media freedom and independence, as well as the means for promoting the safety of journalists and media outlets. "The decision to block a number of Russia-based online services was also addressed", the press release states – at a time when Ukraine has blocked Russian websites and social networks. The EU also reminded Ukraine that it is committed to ratifying the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
In addition, the two parties discussed the situation in Crimea and Donbas, calling for the immediate release of Ukrainian citizens who have been detained illegally in Russian and Crimea. The EU also asked for further progress in the investigations into crimes committed during the EuroMaidan demonstrations and the violent events in Odessa on 2 May 2014, and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
The next dialogue meeting is due to take place in summer 2018. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)