Statement by Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk at the celebration of the Day of Europe

It is the first Day of Europe which we mark in the toughest and most dramatic historical circumstances. I am not going to say about tragedy. I will say only what has been done. Through decades Ukraine has expected for the Association Agreement with the EU to be signed. So, the historical moment has happened – a political part of the Association Agreement with the EU has been signed. 

Ukraine has expected and still expects that a free visa regime will be introduced and this week we have approved the final package of laws necessary for Ukraine to move to the second stage of introducing free visa regime.

Ukraine wants to become a part of Europe. Europe underwent partition as well, it underwent attempts to be torn, Europe was suffering from wars, but Europe overcame that. Now it is united, indivisible and it invites Ukraine.

I am looking forward into the future of Ukraine with optimism, no matter what hardship we are suffering. We will withstand all the challenges and together with our European partners Ukraine will be much stronger while Ukrainians, who are a truly European nation, who, apart from sharing European values, realize them as well, will travel free to Europe. We will start to open European business here and Ukrainian business can sell their goods in Europe already today.

To my conviction, our future is bright, our actions are correct and together with the European Union we shall make Ukraine a prosperous state.

We are longing for the election of a new President as soon as possible. The Government of Ukraine recommends the new President to pay the first visit to Brussels and sign the Agreement on the deep and overall free trade area. It must be the first step made and the first signature placed by the new President of Ukraine.

I am absolutely convinced we shall reach success. We shall overcome all the difficulties and become stronger than today.

I believe in Europe and believe in Ukraine!