EU, Ukraine Hammer Out Association Agreement

European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich, and EC President Jose Manuel Barroso at the 15th EU Ukraine Summit in Kiev. Photo by RIA Novosti

Ukraine and the European Union have finalized negotiations on a deal that could set the former Soviet republic on the way to full EU membership of the organization, European Council head Herman Van Rompuy announced after the 15th EU-Ukraine Summit.

"Let me start my reiterating that Ukraine is a partner of strategic importance for the EU... Today, we can publically announce that negotiations on the Association Agreement have been finalized. It was difficult work, but your government's declared European choice and dedication has made it possible to conclude the talks with success. This is a giant step for our relations. What is encouraging is the broad support this Agreement - and Ukraine's European choice – enjoys in Ukrainian society," Rompuy stated in Kiev on Monday.

The Association Agreement has, however, yet to be ratified by Ukraine's parliament.

"We want to take steps to sign and ratify the Association Agreement as soon as we can, but this will depend on political circumstances," European Council President Herman Van Rompuy said in a statement.

But he also said that recent developments in Ukraine had led to "a difficult atmosphere" between the European Union and Kiev.

"Our strong concern is primarily related to the risks of politically-motivated justice in Ukraine. The Timoshenko trial is the most striking example. But just as important, a comprehensive justice reform in line with international standards is absolutely key. Media freedom and freedom of assembly are also key for a full fledged democracy. Shortcomings have to be corrected," declared the European Council President.

The European Union has strongly criticized the jailing of former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko over a gas deal with Russia in 2009, calling the decision to imprison her politically motivated.

"The perceived deterioration of the quality of democracy and rule of law in Ukraine has a direct impact in our Member-States, in our public at large, and in the European Parliament," Rompuy said.

Other issues, he said, include a comprehensive justice reform, media freedom and freedom of assembly.

In this context, the parliamentary elections to be held next year will be a litmus test, Rompuy said.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych responded to the criticism, saying Kiev would take into account all of the EU's remarks over the "deteriorating quality of democracy in the country."

"I would like to confirm that the EU remarks will not be ignored," he said, as cited by RIA Novosti.

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