Brussels, 12/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - The EU reminded the Ukrainian authorities that the hoped-for strengthening and intensification of relations with the EU should be imperatively accompanied by the pursuit of political and economic reforms, democratisation, the setting in place of a transparent judiciary system, and respect of freedom of the press. "The EU underlined its interest to have strong links with its future direct neighbours and therefore appreciated Ukraine's initiatives to launch discussions on further strengthening relations. The Cooperation Council recognised, however, that Ukraine's desire for a closer relationship with the EU cannot be pursued separately from the task of the new government to continue political and economic reforms based on market economy and European norms and values", we read in a declaration from the EU published after the EU/Ukraine Cooperation Council, held in Brussels on Monday evening. The Council was presided by Josep Piqué, Spanish Foreign Minister, and attended by a large Ukrainian delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister Vasyl Rohovyi. The Fifteen also appealed to the Ukrainian government to ensure that the general elections, that should take place in Ukraine on 31 March this year, unfold in a "free and fair" manner. "Free and fair elections, reform of the judiciary and transparent state-media relations are key parameters in ensuring the development of a modern and democratic Ukraine", states the Council press release, while, in a separate declaration published by the Ukrainian delegation after the meeting, we read: "The EU welcomed Ukraine's commitments to secure the democratic character and transparency of elections as well as freedom of media and security of working conditions of journalists". The Cooperation Council, established in the context of the EU/Ukraine Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), also decided to focus future bilateral cooperation on a number of key areas, including: - reform of the energy sector; - enhanced climate for trade and investment in Ukraine, mainly by contributing to accelerating the process for Ukraine's accession to the WTO; - the implementation of the (recently adopted) action plan for intensified cooperation on justice and home affairs (mainly in the field of security along the border between Ukraine and Poland, Hungary, Slovenia and Romania, which will become the new EU external border after enlargement); - approximation of Ukrainian legislation with that of the EU; - protection and the environment; - and transport.