Joint statement after the meeting between the European Commission and the Ukrainian Government

EU News 219/2014

Brussels, 13 May 2014
MEMO/14/346

Members of European Commission and of the Government of Ukraine, headed respectively by President Barroso and Prime Minister Yatseniuk, met today in Brussels.

Taking place after the signing on 21 March 2014 of the political chapters of the Association Agreement, today's unprecedented meeting marks the beginning of a new chapter in EU-Ukraine relations. It is proof of the EU's and Ukraine's joint commitment to bring forward work in a reinforced manner towards Ukraine's political association and economic integration with the EU.

The European Commission reaffirmed the EU's strong support for Ukraine's unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The Commission and the Government of Ukraine reiterated their strong condemnation of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation, which the EU and Ukraine will not recognise. Ukraine welcomed the Commission's preparations for comprehensive legal consequences of the annexation, also with regard to the territorial application of the Association Agreement and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, and agreed to launch a mechanism of bilateral consultations on those issues. Both sides expressed alarm at the continued efforts by pro-Russian separatists to destabilise Eastern and Southern Ukraine and considered the so-called referenda organised by self-proclaimed authorities on 11 May in parts of Eastern Ukraine to be illegal.

The European Commission and the Government of Ukraine agreed on the importance of holding free and fair Presidential elections on 25 May to allow the Ukrainian people to choose their own future without undue external interference. Both sides reconfirmed their full commitment to the Geneva Joint Statement of 17 April on initial concrete steps to de-escalate tension and restore security for all citizens, the Commission welcomed the steps taken so far by the Ukrainian authorities to this end, including by working towards constitutional reform and decentralisation in a broad national dialogue. The European Commission and the Government of Ukraine agreed on the importance to move ahead in the constitutional process in an inclusive, transparent and accountable manner, to establish a broad and inclusive national dialogue and on the importance of an independent investigation into the tragic 2 May events in Odesa. Both sides took note of the OSCE roadmap and fully support the efforts undertaken by the OSCE and its CiO to contribute to de-escalating and stabilising the situation through concrete steps including the establishment of round tables while ensuring Ukrainian ownership.

Source and additional information:
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-346_en.htm?locale=en

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