EC/Ukraine Partnership and Cooperation Agreement

The rapporteur, Mr GOMOLKA, underlined the importance of the partnership and cooperation agreement with Ukraine; in his view, it was a positive aspect for stability in the region. He also emphasised the importance of good-neighbourly relations given that ‘Ukraine’s role is essential in promoting cooperation between the European Union and Russia’. Pointing out that Ukraine’s economic problems would be resolved over time thanks to the economic reforms, the rapporteur called for Parliament to support this proposal and vote in favour of the agreement. Commissioner van den Broek agreed with the rapporteur and reiterated his total support for the Ukrainian President’s economic reforms, especially in the area of privatisation. Moreover, on a political level, Ukraine had resolved several conflicts peacefully, notably in Crimea. As far as Chernobyl was concerned, financial contributions were needed from both Ukraine and the G7.