10 May 2011, 14:08
Ukraine considers the European Union to be the optimal model of social development, economy, and public institutes, as well as its common home in the future.
Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, made this statement at the sitting of the Bureau of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, Sejm and Senate of the Republic of Poland in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
V.Lytvyn declared that current situation paves the way for mutual cultural enrichment, and development of multi-faceted political, economic and humanitarian cooperation with the European partners. "Therefore, we declare our final and conscious choice integration into the family of European nations," stated the Head of the Parliament. "European integration is a key priority of Ukraine´s foreign policy, which envisages systemic reforms in all social spheres in line with the EU norms and standards. The ultimate goal of the European integration is membership of Ukraine in the European Union."
"Thus, Ukraine places a priority on the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with the Central and Eastern Europe," the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed. Ukraine attaches great importance to the experience of European integration of Poland and Lithuania in terms of economic and political reforms, and harmonization of the laws with the European standards.
V.Lytvyn stressed that having chosen the developmental model "European choice", Ukraine realizes the necessity of fundamental domestic transformations, which presuppose economic achievements and observance of common European values. To adopt the European standards, Ukraine implements several important structural reforms, counteracts corruption, and improves the socio-economic situation.
The Head of the Parliament supposes that activization of Ukraine-EU dialogue confirms the permanence of the European integration course of Ukraine. Having stated that the year 2010 was successful and fruitful for the relations between Ukraine and the European Union, V.Lytvyn reminded that in 2011, even more ambitious goals were set.
Among the top-priority tasks, the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine singled out conclusion of negotiations and signing of the Association Agreement, including formation of an extensive free trade zone and completion of the first stage of the action plan for liberalization of visa regime.
Along these lines, V.Lytvyn stated that Ukraine relied upon unstinting support of its European integration pursuit during the chairmanship of Poland over the European Union in the second half of 2011. "I hope that it is during the chairmanship of Poland over the European Union that the Association Agreement will be signed, an extensive Ukraine-EU free trade zone will be formed, and a visa regime for Ukrainian citizens will be liberalized. I expect the chairmanship of our reliable partner Poland to support implementation of the Eastern Partnership initiative," he stated.
Dwelling upon the Eastern Partnership initiative, V.Lytvyn declared that Ukraine considered it as an extra tool to develop cooperation with the European Union. He stated that Ukraine appreciated the efforts of its supporters in this institution, especially its Polish and Lithuanian partners, aimed at the extension of collaboration between Ukraine and the EU within the Initiative. "It is high time the parties consolidated their efforts to achieve the best results. Strategic goals should be set. These goals should meet the needs and requirements of the partner countries," he stressed.
According to the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Ukrainian side supposes that development of the Eastern Partnership should have a clear-cut foundation. "The forecasts should aim at feasible results," he stated. However, V.Lytvyn warned against including the ongoing common projects and programs under the ‘umbrella´ of the Eastern Partnership. "It would mean only the change of name instead of new standards of cooperation," he admitted.