The 14th EU-Ukraine Summit takes place in Brussels on 22 November. A press release said the leaders would review the reform agenda including respect for common values such as human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law. They will stress in particular the importance of a free media. On the economic side, the leaders’ discussions will encompass efforts to improve macro-economic stability, to combat corruption and improve the business and investment climate.
Commenting on the eve of the Summit, President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy said: “Reform in Ukraine and the EU-Ukraine bilateral relationship will be at the top of the agenda. We will welcome the positive steps taken by Ukraine particularly in the economic and energy sphere. We look to Ukraine’s leadership to increase the reform momentum in these areas and as regards respect for human rights, the rule of law and democratic principles.”
President Barroso said: “Ukraine is a key partner for the EU and an important regional player. The ambitious agenda of this Summit reflects our dynamic and intense relationship. I am pleased that we will agree on an Action Plan towards the establishment of a visa free regime for Ukraine and on a Protocol which gives Ukraine access to EU programmes. These are two concrete examples of the EU's continued engagement with Ukraine.”
The agenda will include sectoral cooperation in areas as diverse as energy, transport and justice, liberty and security. In the energy sector the leaders will welcome Ukraine’s imminent accession to the Energy Community. On the issue of mobility, the leaders will discuss the next steps in the visa dialogue aiming at establishing a visa free regime for short stay travel as a long term perspective.
See: http://enpi-info.eu/maineast.php?id=23234&id_type=1&lang_id=450
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