The course of reforms in Ukraine, the state of the implementation of the Minsk agreements, as well as the prospects of introduction of the visa-free regime by the European Union for Ukraine in 2016 were the major topics discussed by Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman and heads of the parties and groups of the European Parliament in Brussels (Belgium) on March 1.
During the meetings with Leader of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats Gianni Pittella, Leader of the European People's Party in the European Parliament Manfred Weber and President of the European People's Party Joseph Daul, Groysman noted that the Ukrainian society's key expectation is the introduction of the visa-free regime with the European Union in 2016.
Groysman recalled that the decision not to sign the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union gave a start to the Revolution of Dignity in 2013. "The Ukrainian society is expecting the decision on introduction of the visa-free regime and any signals of suspension of the terms are very disappointing for the Ukrainian society," he noted.
Therefore, the Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada called on the meeting participants to assist and support Ukraine in EU's decision to introduce the visa-free regime.
The Chairperson of the Ukrainian Parliament thanked the officials for cooperation and assistance Ukraine is having today with the European Parliament. He noted that the Needs Assessment Mission of the European Parliament headed by Pat Cox had done a great, enormous job and elaborated the action plan that will allow "turning the Ukrainian Parliament into a modern European institution." Groysman also called on the meeting participants to support the Verkhovna Rada until the final implementation of that plan.
Groysman also informed about the internal situation in Ukraine. Groysman noted that despite the crisis, the Parliament shows ability to take important decisions.
The parties also discussed the course of reforms in Ukraine. The head of the Ukrainian Parliament expressed confidence that the reforms in Ukraine will continue. "None of us is considering any possibility to cease the reforms, to abandon the European integration, foreign policy course. That would be unacceptable," he noted.
The Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada said that Ukraine is fully committed to the implementation of the Minsk agreements. At the same time, the Russian Federation does not fulfill the obligations it had taken. Therefore, the lifting of sanctions would be unaccepted, he said. "It is impossible to pull a punch. We have to further be united in protection of the European values and international law," Groysman noted.
In turn, the participant in the meeting assured of their further support to Ukraine and of their commitment to the policy of sanctions against the Russian Federation until the territorial integrity of Ukraine is finally restored. They also expressed readiness to assist the Verkhovna Rada in holding of its internal reform.