Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has vetoed a bill on electronic tax declaration passed by the Ukrainian parliament and criticized by the European Union (EU). Poroshenko returned the measure to deputies with his suggestions, which were agreed on with the EU.

"I have decided that I would veto the bill that I received today from parliament. I am submitting a new bill on the measure and urge parliament to consider it urgently, starting on March 15," Poroshenko said, according to an announcement over the weekend by the Presidential Administration's press service.

Poroshenko said EU officials had approved proposals elaborated by the Presidential Administration and civil society.

"The president received a letter with respective conclusions signed by European Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn and European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos," the president's press service said.

Poroshenko said senior officials would be obliged to submit e-declarations in 2016. He also noted that significant violations in the declaration would result in criminal liability. Poroshenko said that the document would help Ukraine continue its battle against corruption.

"This is a result of our common work and responsibility to support civil society. Ukrainians have the chance to travel to EU member states visas already this year," Poroshenko said.

The Ukrainian leader said that he would visit Brussels on March 17 to discuss the completion of the visa-free regime introduction for Ukrainians.

Poroshenko said he would hold a series of important meetings, inter alia, with the president of the European Commission, the president of the European Council and several EU leaders.

The president urged parliamentarians to endorse the bill on Tuesday, March 15.