Volodymyr Groysman: Association Agreement with the EU is only the beginning of the path of necessary reforms and transformations in the country

Ukraine-EU Association Agreement that was adopted in 2014 and is currently undergoing the final stage of ratification is just the start of a long journey of transformation within Ukraine, targeting in the long run effective integration into a large family of European countries. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman announced on opening a Government session on Wednesday.

"The Association Agreement is only the beginning of the path that we must pave within the country to provide the necessary reforms and transformations, aftermath enabling us to fully integrate into the successful large European family", the Prime Minister stressed and again welcomed the decision of the Senate of the Netherlands to vote for the ratification of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, which allows Ukraine to embark on full implementation of provisions of the document.

Volodymyr Groysman noted that all the transformations stipulated by the Association Agreement, in the first place proved to be vital for Ukraine, hence the Government totally focuses on its effective performance. "We have to ensure that problems that haven’t been solved for decades be settled and eventually change the quality of life of Ukrainian citizens, to return the utmost respect for Ukrainians, we must put a lot of effort to accelerate economic growth", he said.

In this regard, he urged all ministries to develop serious attitude and collaborate with our European partners, use international support programs so that as soon as possible to bring about qualitative transformations in all spheres of life in the country.

"European integration and the European Union imply, first of all, particular standards. These include a strong economy, powerful judicial system, the democratic system, social inclusion, quality infrastructure, education, access to quality medical care. The fact that the stage of ratifying the Association Agreement with the European Union has completed means the only thing – we will speed up the process of making changes and raise its efficiency", said the Prime Minister.

He noted that within 10 days in June there would be introduced a visa-free regime between Ukraine and the EU, and thus "the wall that separated Ukraine from the EU" would be destroyed.

"I believe that Ukraine can in the medium term become a full-fledged member of the European Union", underscored the Prime Minister.