Next generation of Ukrainians to reap benefits of association with EU - European Commission
KYIV. Sept 1 (Interfax) - The EU Delegation to Ukraine supports further efforts of the Ukrainian administration to reform institutions and the economy, which should open the entire potential of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union.
"Today, the Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine enters fully into force. The association agreement, including its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), is the main tool for bringing Ukraine and the EU closer together: it promotes deeper political ties and stronger economic links, as well as respect for common European values," the EU Delegation to Ukraine said in a report.
"The DCFTA provides a framework for modernizing Ukraine's trade relations and economic development by opening up markets and harmonizing laws, standards and regulations with EU and international norms," the report said.
"The European Union is unwavering in its support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the continuing, ambitious efforts of the Ukrainian authorities to reform the country's institutions and economy, which would unlock the full potential of the Association Agreement and bring its full benefits to the Ukrainian people," the report said.
"The entry into force of the agreement will give a new impetus to the cooperation in areas such as foreign and security policy, justice, taxation, public finance management, science and technology, education and digital technology," the report said.
"Determination is a virtue. Today, in spite of all the challenges, we have made it. With the entry into force of the Association Agreement with Ukraine, the European Union is delivering on its promise to our Ukrainian friends. I thank all those who made it possible: those who stood on Maidan and those who are working hard to reform the country for the better," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker is quoted as saying in the document.
"Today we finally achieve what we have been working on in the last years: a closer association between the European Union and Ukraine. This means closer ties between our citizens, bigger markets and more opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs, increased sharing of experience, information and expertise. It shows that we share the same objectives and that the Ukrainian people can count on the European Union's support and cooperation for the years to come," EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice-President Federica Mogherini is quoted as saying.
"Generations of Ukrainian citizens to come will reap the benefits of closer association with the EU," Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn said.