Brussels, 14/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 14 September, the EU/Ukraine summit ended with the adoption of a joint declaration in which leaders stated that greater political stability, and stronger democracy and rule of law in Ukraine, would make it possible to take the country's relations with the Union to a “new, advanced level … based on privileged political links and deeper economic integration”. A smooth outcome to parliamentary elections on 30 September and the swift formation of a new government “would be the best evidence of Ukraine's ability to accomplish this goal”, the declaration goes on to state. President Viktor Yuschenko and his rival, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich, both “reaffirmed their resolve to ensure the democratic character of the election process and abide by its results”.
Europeans and Ukrainians also welcomed the “major progress” made to date in implementation of the EU/Ukraine action plan, under European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). The launch of negotiations on a new, strengthened agreement to replace the current partnership and cooperation agreement was also welcomed. Both parties restated their intention to negotiate a free trade agreement as soon as Ukraine has joined the WTO. Ukraine's accession is fully backed by the EU, but requires that all issues still outstanding with the Union (energy transit, export duties) be settled beforehand. At the level of external policy, the EU welcomed the fact that Ukraine is coming increasingly into line with EU27 common positions. Europeans and Ukrainians also wish to strengthen their cooperation in the search for an “equitable, lasting and overall” solution to the conflict in Transnistria.
Energy was also a key theme discussed by the summit, which welcomed the “significant progress” made in implementing the memorandum of understanding of December 2005. The common aim is to reform the Ukrainian energy sector and to ensure that energy transit through this country is “safe, reliable and transparent”. The question of visas was also tackled by Ukraine. Pending the entry into force of the visa facilitation agreement due at the end of the year, the EU should take urgent measures to improve the current system, the Ukrainians stressed. (hb)