European Commission expresses satisfaction over strengthened EU-Ukraine relationship one year after adoption of the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan

February 22, 2006.

    A year ago, on 21 February 2005, the EU and Ukraine adopted a joint EU-Ukraine Action Plan, with the aim of developing an increasingly close relationship. On that same day, the European Union agreed on ten additional points to strengthen and enrich the Action Plan and support a democratic and reform-oriented Ukraine.
    Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy expressed satisfaction at the deepening of EU-Ukraine ties: "During the last year, Ukraine has demonstrated a clear commitment to move closer to the EU. The EU-Ukraine Action Plan, adopted shortly after the Orange Revolution in Ukraine, has proven to be a successful instrument in helping Ukraine move forward on her path towards democratic and economic reform. Much has already been achieved, but much remains to be done. It is important that this positive momentum is maintained. I look forward to continued close co-operation with our Ukrainian partners in making further progress."
    The Action Plan with Ukraine was one of the first to be adopted, and clear progress in its implementation has been registered over the last year. Particular achievements in the EU-Ukraine relationship include the signing of a Memorandum of understanding on Energy Co-operation, the opening of negotiations on visa facilitation, as well as the granting by the EU of Market Economy Status to Ukraine and the establishment of an EU Border Assistance Mission on the border between Ukraine and Moldova, including on the Transdniestrian segment. The EU is committed to begin early consultations on an enhanced agreement between the EU and Ukraine, once the main political priorities of the Action Plan have been addressed. The democratic conduct of the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Ukraine on 26 March is a key element in this regard. The EU is also committed to negotiating the establishment of a free trade area as part of an enhanced agreement, once Ukraine has joined the WTO