The European Union is intending to continue supporting the reformatory efforts of Ukraine's government and its citizens, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has written in his exclusive article for the Dzerkalo Tyzhnia Ukraine weekly.
According to him, the success in the country's politics and economy achieved over the 20 years of its independence will be fixed in a new ambitious association agreement, which will foresee a comprehensive free trade zone. The agreement will also include contract relations between Ukraine and the EU upgraded in accordance with modern requirements."
At the same time, the EU is asking Ukraine to "confirm its adherence to the core values of all EU member states", which include human rights observance, democracy and fundamental freedoms, rule of law and freedom of speech.
"I consider myself to be a friend of Ukraine and I am proud of it and, using a special case, I would like to convey my congratulations and the best wishes. The 20th anniversary of independence can be celebrated in different ways. But the best way is if Ukraine takes decisive steps towards own consolidation as a modern and successful state and it becomes possible to talk about a real convergence with the European Union," Barroso said.
