Ukraine and EU are interested in expanding integration

The Cabinet continues to negotiate the signing of the EU Association Agreement, according to Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, who declared that the negotiating process for signing the agreement is ongoing, as are efforts to bring the country closer to European standards. "Our own Ukrainian project, 'Ukraine, European state,' is taking its course," the Prime Minister said, the Information-Analytical Bulletin of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine informs.

In this regard, Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade to ensure holding trilateral (EU-Ukraine-Russia) consultations to prepare the agenda for the event, as well as practical steps that will open the way to the signing of the Association Agreement.

"Ukraine is in the negotiation process. It stays with the project "Eastern Partnership." The current pause will be used in order to continue improving the Ukrainian legislation based on European principles, improving democratic standards in order to rapidly introduce technical regulations and standards of the European Union in the economy, to improve the competitiveness of the national economy," Azarov said.

Also, the government cannot sacrifice economic sovereignty, as it cannot afford the situation where the EU Association, signed under specific extremely unfavorable conditions today, fails for both Ukraine and the European Union.

The Cabinet’s position about the European future of Ukraine is supported by President Viktor Yanukovych, who said it would be clear next month whether it is possible to sign the EU Association Agreement in the spring of 2014.

Addressing topical issues of Ukrainian-Russian relations which should help revitalize and boost performance of economies of both countries is presently the top priority for the government and the President.

The government is confident that the development of relations between Ukraine and the EU will open up new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation and further rapprochement with the strategic partners of Ukraine in the Eurasian region.