We “stitch” Ukraine with EU, sector by sector, until Ukraine becomes an EU member – Stefanishyna

Olha Stefanishyna, Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, believes that the Report on implementing the Association Agreement adopted by the European Parliament shows the EU expects intensifying integration with Ukraine.

Olha Stefanishyna's press service reports.

"The European Parliament's report is another indication that Ukraine's deeper integration with the EU is not a unilateral request from Kyiv. It's a request supported by our European partners. We're stitching Ukraine together with the EU, sector by sector, until Ukraine becomes a full member of the European Union. Having implemented 53% of the association, we're ready to conclude an Open Skies Agreement; we've fulfilled our obligations to conclude "industrial visa-free travel" with the EU in three sectors, and we're ready together with the EU to develop flagship initiatives, i.e. the Digital Market and the European Green Course," Stefanishyna said.

She noted that the key issue remained the proper completion of the ongoing reforms, in particular in the areas of rule of law, proper governance, and the fight against corruption.

"The European Parliament noted the progress made by Ukraine in implementing the Association Agreement, in particular in the fields of agriculture, energy, banking, decentralization, digital economy, environmental and electoral procedures. MEPs also welcomed the implementation of reforms that led to economic deregulation and greater transparency of public finances, and improving regulations," Stefanishyna added.

Deputy Prime Minister emphasizes that the decision was to support a comprehensive renewal of the Association Agreement, deepening political association and economic integration, including enhanced sectoral integration of Ukraine into the EU.

"The European Parliament calls on Ukraine and the EU to intensify efforts to further liberalize bilateral trade, including the conclusion of the ACAA agreement, i.e. "industrial visa-free travel," and cooperation on sanitary and phytosanitary measures. The European Parliament also supported the conclusion of a Common Aviation Area Agreement with Ukraine as soon as possible," the statement reads.