Ukraine looks forward to kicking off in 2021 a comprehensive review process of achievement of the objectives of the Association Agreement to deepen sectoral integration with the European Union.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal issued this statement during a meeting with the President of the European Parliament David Maria Sassoli within the framework of a working visit to Brussels, the Kingdom of Belgium, on February 10. 

"I am convinced that the European Parliament and, first of all, the Parliamentary Association Committee will provide strong political support to this process," underlined Denys Shmyhal.

The Prime Minister dwelled on the fact that day was especially symbolic because the European Parliament is considering a vital document for Ukraine - the Report on the implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement.

"It is important that this document once again encompasses unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. It is also pleasant that the European Parliament recognizes Ukraine’s European integration aspirations and positively assess the reform process," the Prime Minister said.

Denys Shmyhal stressed that the successful 22nd Ukraine-EU Summit had been held at the end of last year, so Ukraine expects a meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council will be successful. 

"We look forward to launching this year a comprehensive review of the achievement of the objectives of the Association Agreement, in order to use the potential of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area and deepen sectoral integration with the European Union," the Head of Government stated.

In the course of the meeting with the President of the European Parliament, the Prime Minister also dwelled on the strategic nature of the issue of early access to vaccines for Ukraine. The PM added that Ukraine counts on the political support of the European Parliament in the application of the Mechanism of vaccine transfer to third countries established by the European Commission.

Apart from that, Denys Shmyhal thanked David Maria Sassoli and the European Parliament for the role and its significant contribution to the process of restoring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

"I am deeply convinced that the voice of the European Parliament, together with other international institutions, states and individual politicians, is yielding tangible results - many detained Ukrainian citizens have been released over the years," said Denys Shmyhal.

Moreover, the Prime Minister thanked the European Union for supporting the idea of creating a "Crimean Platform" and expressed the expectation that the EU will actively join the inaugural Summit of the Crimean Platform, which is scheduled for August 23, 2021, in Kyiv.

The Prime Minister also invited the President of the European Parliament to personally join the constituent Summit.

Denys Shmyhal stressed that Ukraine highly appreciates the extension of all packages of sanctions against the Russian Federation in 2020 and unfaltering unity of position in deciding on the next extension of economic sanctions in December 2020.