Arbuzov: No pause in European integration of Ukraine

The main result of talks in Brussels is that there is no pause in the European integration of Ukraine, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Arbuzov said in interview with Euronews.

“The dialogue is constructive. It is difficult, frank, but it is a dialogue, which we were hoping for. And I am very satisfied with our meeting, I think both sides see now where we are going and what the goal is,” he noted.

First Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the strategic objective of our country is European integration, and both sides are working on a road map, which soon will lead to the signing of the Association Agreement with the European Union: “What we are creating is a sort of working document. It will shape the progress of our negotiations step by step. The road map will set out the time schedules and specific actions to take in coming to sign the agreement.”

According to Arbuzov, now talks are held with the International Monetary Fund on timing and amount of the loan: “Concerning the IMF, we are continuing talks about the precise amount and the timing. In a memorandum we discuss the question of $15 billion (almost 11 billion euros). Talks are continuing, the final amount will be clear after signing this memorandum.”

First Deputy PM noted that there is discussion of harsh IMF requirements concerning tariff increase: “That’s exactly what we are discussing, what we are looking for. We are bridging the gaps in our positions over tariffs, budget and monetary policies.”