The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, used his trip to Kyiv to recall the main elements of the relationship between the EU and Ukraine.
“The EU stands by Ukraine and its people. We are Ukraine’s strongest and most reliable partner, and we will continue to support the reform process, your sovereignty and territorial integrity”, the High Representative summed up at a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, also recalling efforts in the fight against the Covid-19.
“Pleased” to see that the country had made much progress towards reform, the High Representative pledged the EU’s support “for reforms, for the development of anti-corruption infrastructure and for judicial reform”. “They are essential to meet the wishes of the Ukrainian people and to attract new investment”, he said.
For his part, Mr Kuleba promised that his government was committed to reforms, including the development of a functioning independent anti-corruption institution, and economic reforms, to enable greater integration of his country into the European market.
Mr Borrell also reiterated the need for both sides to “take full advantage of this Association Agreement and our deep and comprehensive free trade area”.
Finally, the High Representative recalled the important steps taken by the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, “to give more space to dialogue and diplomacy” regarding the conflict in eastern Ukraine. “We call on Russia to do the same”, he said, addressing Moscow.
Mr Borrell announced that he would be visiting the eastern part of the country on Saturday 26 September “in order to gain a clear understanding of the major problem Ukraine has on its border”, together with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. However, he was obliged to enter a 14-day quarantine for having been in contact with a person with Covid-19 (see other news).
At the time of writing, neither the services of the President of the European Council nor the European External Action Service could confirm that the trip would take place or that the EU-Ukraine Summit, scheduled for 1 October, in other words the same day as the Extraordinary European Council, would be held on that date. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)