The 17th EU-Ukraine Summit took place in Kyiv on 27 April 2015. It was the
first Summit in the framework of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement signed
last year.
The Association Agreement, is the main legal basis for relations between
the EU and Ukraine. Its ongoing provisional application represent a fundamental
step for deepening the political association and economic integration of
Ukraine with the EU on the basis of respect for common values.
The European Union was represented at the Summit at the highest level, ie
by President of the European Council Donald Tusk and President of the European
Commission Jean-Claude Juncker. Ukraine was represented by President Petro
Poroshenko.
These were the main subject of discussion at the Summit:
The
implementation of the Association Agreement and political
and economic reforms in Ukraine, including EU financial and
other assistance.
The EU continues to support and encourage the comprehensive reform process
started in Ukraine. This is also done through an unprecedented support package
of €11bn. These funds and other EU support measures are expected to help
Ukraine achieve the full respect for democratic principles and the development
of the country into a functioning democracy ensuring the wellbeing and thriving
of all its citizens.
The crisis
in eastern Ukraine and the application of the Minsk agreements:
the EU reiterated its commitment to strongly support Ukraine's unity, sovereignty,
independence and territorial integrity.
The EU continued to called on all conflicting parties to swiftly and fully
implement all provisions of the Minsk Agreements, while stressing the Russian
authorities' responsibility in this regard. In this context, the EU underlined
the need for full respect of the ceasefire and the withdrawal of heavy weapons
in line with the agreements. Leaders also expressed their full support for the
OSCE Monitoring Mission, which has been contributing through its monitoring and
verification activities to the de-escalation of hostilities since the signing
of the Minsk Package. The EU underlined the importance for the OSCE SMM to have
full and unrestricted access everywhere it considers necessary to monitor the
ceasefire and its implementation.
Regional
issues and preparations for the upcoming Eastern Partnership summit
in Riga and the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy.
Leaders highlighted the importance of renewing constructive engagement on
the peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, making full and
better use of the negotiating framework provided by the 5+2 settlement
talks. The role of the EU Border Mission to Moldova and Ukraine in the
development of border management and reforming of the border and customs
services of Ukraine was welcomed during the discussions.
The summit is followed today by an international reform conference for Ukraine, in which
Commission President Juncker and other Commissioners will also participate.
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