EU and Ukraine study trade and visa-free deals

The EU and Ukraine say their trade relations are progressing but Brussels has also voiced concerns. President Viktor Yanukovich was urged to pursue constitutional reforms in his country. Ensuring European energy security was a key positive point.

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso said: “I particularly welcome the very strong political statement made by president Yanukovich during our summit today, that we will never have, never have, a gas crisis like the one we had before. That’s one of the reasons that we believe it is so important this triangle relationship between Ukraine, Russia and the European Union.”

At the annual summit in Brussels, the former Soviet state got no closer to the candidate status it so wants (and would need) to become an EU member, but an association agreement on offer would include a free trade deal.

Requirements were set out for Ukrainians to be able travel to the EU visa-free though no timetable was given. First, Kiev needs to improve its document and border security. Ukraine was told that any further progress will depend on democracy and human rights improvements.

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