Fule dismisses as speculations talk of Ukraine's losses related to Association Agreement with EU
KYIV. Nov 25 (Interfax) - The European Union is ready to resume preparations for the signing of the Association Agreement with Ukraine as soon as Kyiv is ready for this, European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fule has said.
"The EU will be ready to resume the preparations for the signing of the Association Agreement as soon as Ukraine declares its readiness to proceed with its movements towards political association and economic integration with the EU for the sake of its people. The door remains open for the signing of the Association Agreement in future as soon as necessary conditions are created for this," Fule said in an interview with the Dzerkalo Tyzhnia (Mirror Weekly) publication.
He said that the EU has taken note of the Ukrainian government's decision to suspend the preparations for the signing of the agreement with the EU.
In Fule's opinion, Ukraine took the step in response to a range of Russia's actions that resulted in a sharp decline in bilateral trade and caused economic problems to many Ukrainians.
He said that the establishment of a free trade area with the EU did not force Kyiv to choose between two markets. "They don't have to make a choice between Russia and the EU and no one asked Ukraine to give up the traditional free trade agreement with Russia," Fule said.
The EU Commissioner expressed regret that the Ukrainian government made the decision a few days before the summit in Vilnius.
He said that in this context everyone heard impressive but absolutely groundless speculations about the possible losses that Ukraine could allegedly suffer losses in the process of modernization. "Unfortunately, it is vice versa - the decision to suspend the preparations will mean losses. New opportunities for the country and its people will be delayed," he said.
