The principal objective of Ukraine in the direction of economic integration with the European Union is the gradual integration into the EU Internal Market. This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during the Fourth Ukraine Reform Conference, which is being held in Vilnius, the Republic of Lithuania, on July 7-8.

"Current Ukraine's progress in the implementation of the Association Agreement raised the issue of updating certain parameters. In order to further liberalize trade relations, Ukraine and the EU have launched the process of negotiations on the renewal of part of the Agreement, primarily within the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area," said Denys Shmyhal.

The Prime Minister stressed that Ukraine aims to continue active cooperation with the EU on the issue of ‘industrial visa-free regime’: "We have taken one step closer to achievement of this goal. We have received the first report of the EU mission experts who positively assessed the compliance of our regulatory framework with EU legislation," the PM said.

In a statement, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė noted that Ukraine has the most ambitious Association Agreement with the EU.

"Efforts are needed to implement it, as it will ensure Ukraine's prosperity and closer ties with Europe. It also paves the way for Ukraine to become an EU member one day which is on the horizon. I really want to see this day - this is what Ukrainians have chosen for themselves, and this is what they deserve," stressed Ingrida Šimonytė.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal also highlighted that the European Union is Ukraine’s main trading partner. According to the results of 2020, the share of trade in goods and services with the EU amounted to 40.7% of total trade volumes of Ukraine.