Stefan Fule: Ukraine Needs Europe and Europe Needs Ukraine

he European prospects for Ukraine give no rise to doubt. However, the European integration process will be dependent directly upon the extent of effectiveness of reforms in Ukraine.

 In the course of the 7th YES forum, Stefan Füle, the European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, declared:“I wouldn’t like to raise the question whether Europe needs Ukraine. Both Ukraine needs Europe and Europe needs Ukraine”, - he emphasised.

At the same time, the EU Commissioner made the point that, the key European integration factor presupposes the reforms which are to take place in Ukraine. They will let Ukraine compete effectively in the context of global economy and fulfill its potential in the relationship with European Union. “Any policy decision as regards a move toward Europe is impossible without the reforms”, - he highlighted.

As explained by Füle, European Union is ready to support Ukraine, make steps forward and meet halfway. “We are committed to European integration process of Ukraine passionately. We are ready to help. We will show flexibility. However, we will not meet halfway in our mutual recognition of values: respect for human rights, democratic principles, and rule of law”, - the EU Commissioner brought into focus, having added that commitment to these values is at heart of European Union itself and Europe will never sacrifice them.

Stefan Füle mentioned that, as for today, the Agreement on Association may become an extremely important stage in the development of Ukraine and EU relationship. It may give Ukraine a prospect of a closer economical integration with the EU countries, in particular, of the free trade zone creation and actual opening of the European market for Ukrainian goods. “The positive effect of such agreement on Ukraine and its citizens will only be increasing in a long run. The agreement no doubt will have an impact, increasing labor productivity and reducing poverty”.

Media Partners: 
Euronews 
“Korrespondent”

Special partners of the 7th Yalta Annual Meeting: 
DCH 
Kyivstar 
International Renaissance Foundation

Partner of the 7th Yalta Annual Meeting: 
Nemiroff