On March 16, 2011, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Kostyantyn Gryshchenko received the delegation of the political group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialist & Democrats in the European Parliament (S&D) headed by the President of the Group Martin Schulz. The delegation also consisted of members of the European Parliament Adrian Severin, Bogusław Liberadszki and Alexander Mirsky.

During the meeting, Minister Konstyantyn Gryshchenko informed Martin Schulz and his colleagues on the reform process aimed at bringing Ukraine closer to European standards in various spheres.

Martin Schulz especially stressed that relations with Ukraine are the essential priority of European social democrats. The cooperation between Ukraine and the EU has significant potential in the light of energy and food security, development of transport corridors etc.

Interlocutors agreed that all necessary efforts to be taken aimed at concluding an Association Agreement and establishing a deep and comprehensive free trade area in 2011.

The parties also exchanged views on current international issues.