Accessibility links

Breaking News

EU Reiterates Willingness To Sign Deal With Ukraine


Supporters of jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko hold up her picture during a rally in Kyiv. The Tymoshenko case remains an obstacle to improved EU-Ukraine ties.
Supporters of jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko hold up her picture during a rally in Kyiv. The Tymoshenko case remains an obstacle to improved EU-Ukraine ties.
BRUSSELS -- EU foreign ministers have stressed the readiness of the European Union to sign an association agreement with Ukraine at the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius in November.

The statement adopted at a meeting in Brussels on February 18, however, underlines the need for Kyiv to address "the issue of selective justice" and make sure that elections follow international standards as a prerequisite for the signature to happen.

It also states that parts of the agreement can be applicable immediately without the need for ratification.

Several EU member states have previously expressed doubts that the deal can be ratified unless politicians such as former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko are released from prison.

The statement also notes that Brussels aims to finalize negotiations on association agreements with Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova by the time of the summit.
  • 16x9 Image

    RFE/RL

    RFE/RL journalists report the news in 27 languages in 23 countries where a free press is banned by the government or not fully established. We provide what many people cannot get locally: uncensored news, responsible discussion, and open debate.

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG