EU Commissioner-designate for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, says that it's necessary to provide Ukraine with all possible support in overcoming its crisis.

"We must support the fundamental right of Ukraine and its people to make their strategic choice," he said during hearings of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.

Hahn said that the political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis should be based on the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

He also noted the importance of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement for the development of bilateral relations. He said that the signing of the Association Agreement and the ratification are milestones that will bring the EU and Ukraine closer.

Hahn also stressed the need to continue consultations with Russia, in particular, to explain Russian partners that the European Neighbourhood Policy, namely Eastern Partnership, is not directed against Russia.

Since 2009 Hahn has served as the EU Commissioner for Regional Policy.