European integration is the topmost priority for Ukraine and the Government of Ukraine along with the continuation of reforms and transformations in legal and judicial systems. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman issued this statement during a meeting with European Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn. The meeting took place within the framework of a working visit of the European official to Kyiv.

"European integration and active implementation of the Association Agreement are the number one priorities for us in terms of the political and economic cooperation," Volodymyr Groysman said.

The Head of Government briefed the EU Commissioner on the current economic situation in Ukraine with a view to maintenance of financial stability and those Government’s steps that will be made in the coming months in order to ensure further economic growth.

"We consider that 2019 should be the year of establishing a decent legal system – a special attention should be paid exactly to this goal. And then - continuation of reforms even in the inter-election period. I understand what needs to be done and I think it is necessary to consolidate all branches of power in order to approve the necessary decisions", the Prime Minister underscored.

In turn, EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn emphasized the need for continuation of reforms. "We see good results," the EU official said and added that the continuation of work on the implementation of anti-corruption initiatives and the modernization of the justice system  are of utmost importance.

"I also want to commend organizing and holding the presidential election campaign in Ukraine. This is already a great achievement and Ukraine can be proud of it", Johannes Hahn stressed.

During the talks, the parties touched on the issues related to countering Russian aggression, the continuation of sanctions policy and a fair assessment of Russian projects such as Nord Stream 2.

Background

At present the European Union is largest economic and political partner of Ukraine. The EU share in the total turnover of Ukraine exceeds 42%.