Head of EU diplomacy Federica Mogherini has welcomed the adoption of the constitutional amendments on decentralization at first reading by the Verkhovna Rada, but called the rioting outside of parliament in Kyiv as "very worrying".

"Today's vote in the Verkhovna Rada on the constitutional amendments related to decentralization is an important step that paves the way towards a substantial devolution of powers from the central level to regions and communities, increasing in parallel the accountability of territorial self-governments to their constituencies," Mogherini's communique circulated in Brussels on Monday evening says.

In her opinion, "the amendments will also facilitate the implementation of the Minsk agreements."

"The EU looks forward to the adoption of these amendments in a final reading later this year, as well as to continued work on the judiciary-related constitutional amendments, taking into account the Venice Commission's recommendations," Mogherini's statement says.

However, "this process shouldn't be jeopardized by violence."

"We offer our condolences to the family of the deceased law enforcement officer and our deepest sympathy to those injured in the explosion during the demonstration in front of the Verkhovna Rada,"

The head of EU diplomacy expressed confidence that "Ukraine will stay firmly on its way to further reforms, both institutional and economic, as well as a comprehensive reform of the police and the law enforcement sector to ensure public order and safety across the country."