Ukraine can count on EU's solidarity in receiving vaccine against COVID-19 - letter of heads of EU institutions to Zelensky
The European Union is taking steps to ensure Ukraine's early access to vaccines and Ukraine can count on the EU's solidarity in obtaining a vaccine against coronavirus, according to a letter from President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.
In a letter following the results of the 22nd Ukraine-EU summit, held on October 6, 2020 in Brussels, European leaders emphasize that the EU is ready to continue supporting Ukraine in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the website of the head of the Ukrainian state said on Thursday.
Last year, EUR 190 million was allocated, which was used, in particular, for the purchase of medical equipment, and the first tranche of macro-financial assistance in the amount of EUR 600 million. The message says that the EU institutions are ready to cooperate with Ukraine on the fulfillment of the criteria for the provision of the second tranche of macro-financial assistance.
The heads of the EU institutions note that a comprehensive revision of the Association Agreement will begin in 2021: it is planned to deepen sectoral cooperation, in particular in the digital and environmental spheres, an agreement on a joint aviation space is being prepared for signing in the near future, the work of the previous EU assessment mission in the context of the future Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products.
"The leaders of the EU institutions note the progress of Ukraine in the implementation of internal reforms despite the unfavorable situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU is ready for further cooperation, in particular on issues related to the fight against corruption and judicial reform. The leaders of the European institutions appreciate the urgent steps, which were adopted by the President of Ukraine in the context of the development of the situation with the decision of the Constitutional Court," Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva commented the letter.
