The Report of the European Parliament demonstrates the invariability of the vector on in-depth cooperation between Ukraine and the EU, says Denys Shmyhal

The Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal welcomed the adoption by the European Parliament of the Report on the Implementation of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union. The Report contains Ukraine's progress in reforming and implementing the Association Agreement and provides recommendations on further steps.

"The European Parliament praised Ukraine's success in implementing the Association Agreement objectives. The adoption of Michael Gahler's report on Ukraine is another evidence of the high level of relations between Ukraine and the European Union. As well as confirmation of the EU's consistent policy to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The European Parliament’s Report demonstrates the invariability of the vector on in-depth cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union, in particular towards updating the parameters of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area," said the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

The European Parliament's Report states that Ukraine has a European perspective under Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union and can apply for EU membership subject to all Copenhagen criteria and principles of democracy, fundamental freedoms, human rights and minorities, and the supremacy of law.

The European Parliament recognizes Ukraine's "associate partnership" status and calls for enhanced political dialogue with a view to further economic integration and harmonization of legislation. The Report contains an assessment of the progress made by Ukraine in implementing the Association Agreement, in particular in the sectors of agriculture, energy, banking, the digital economy and the environment.

The document also contains an expression of support for a comprehensive revision of the Association Agreement in order to make full use of its potential for deepening political association and economic integration, including enhanced sectoral integration of Ukraine into the EU.

The Report commends the results in achieving bilateral trade and economic relations between Ukraine and the EU, as well as in continuing reforms that have led to the deregulation of the economy and greater transparency of public finances. Meanwhile, the European Parliament calls on Ukraine to continue the process of privatization of state-owned enterprises in order to modernize and improve the functioning of the economy. In addition, there is a need for Ukraine and the EU to intensify efforts to further liberalize bilateral trade, including the conclusion of the ACAA agreement – an industrial visa-free regime, as well as cooperation on sanitary and phytosanitary measures.

The European Parliament's Report also notes the success of decentralization reform, which significantly expands the capacity of local governments and is one of the most successful reforms in the country.