Arseniy Yatsenyuk on the Day of Europe: "I believe in Europe and believe in Ukraine"

“Our future is bright, our actions are correct and together with the European Union we shall make Ukraine a prosperous state,” announced the Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk during celebrations of the Day of Europe in Kyiv, on Saturday, May 17.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk noted in the current year in Ukraine the Day of Europe celebrations were affected by “the toughest and most dramatic historical circumstances”.

However, according to him, much has been achieved: “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”.  

He stressed Ukraine had expected and continued to expect introducing a free visa regime with the EU and in the current week the Parliament had approved the final package of laws necessary to ensure transition to the second stage of liberalization of 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,” the Head of Government emphasized.

The Prime Minister noted he is “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 shall start to open European business here and Ukrainian business can sell their goods in Europe already today”.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk stressed the Government of Ukraine recommends the new President who will be elected in Ukraine 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. Our future is bright, our actions are correct and together with the European Union we shall make Ukraine a prosperous state,” the Head of Government highlighted.

“I believe in Europe and believe in Ukraine!” Arseniy Yatsenyuk said.

For the celebration of the Day of Europe, which took place in the National Culture, Art and Museum Complex the Mystetskyi Arsenal [Art Arsenal], were present the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Deshchytsya, Culture Minister Yevhen Nyshchuk, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Carl Bildt, Head of EU Delegation to Ukraine Jan Tombinski, representatives of all embassies of the EU participating states accredited in Ukraine.