Ukraine has taken note of the conclusions of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on Ukraine adopted on 10 December 2012 which are important for further development of relations between Ukraine and the European Union based on political association and economic integration.

The recognition by the European Union of the European aspirations and European choice of our country is important. European integration remains a strategic priority of the foreign policy and a guideline for comprehensive political, economic and social reforms in Ukraine.

Ukraine welcomes the EU’s commitment to the signature of the Association agreement whose prompt entry into force is in the interest of both parties.

The implementation of the Ukraine-EU Association Agenda, resumption of sectoral budget and macrofinancial assistance, active cooperation in the framework of existing bilateral bodies and recently launched informal dialogues, in particularly on judicial reform and business climate, will foster creation of a due background for the implementation of future Association Agreement.

Ukraine, in turn, remains committed to continue the process of reforms in the respective fields. The Government of Ukraine is set to undertake necessary steps in order to achieve a considerable progress.

An additional strong impetus to these transformations shall be provided by provisional application of the Association Agreement upon its signature.

Among the priorities for the coming months there is the transition to the implementation phase of the visa free dialogue with the EU and the entry into force of the amendments to the Visa facilitation agreement.

Ukraine attaches great importance to continued cooperation with the EU in energy, including on modernization of the Ukrainian GTS, which will foster energy security in Europe.

Ukraine supports the European Union openness towards promotion of bilateral dialogue at all levels. An important occasion to discuss all set of issues of cooperation with the EU on the highest level shall be provided by the next Ukraine-EU Summit early next year in Brussels.

As incoming OSCE Chair, Ukraine counts upon constructive cooperation with all member states of the Organization, including EU member-states.