EU deeply engaged in helping the people of Ukraine through political crisis
Eastern Partnership was the first topic of discussion at the Meeting of the Council of the European Union in Brussels on 10 February. EU Foreign Ministers focused in particular on the situation in Ukraine and High Representative/Vice-President Ashton debriefed them on her visit to Kyiv of the previous week.
Both the HR/VP and Commissioner Štefan Füle i have been on repeat visits to Kyiv in recent weeks where they have met with President Yanukovych i and opposition leaders as well as representatives of civil society. The EU's efforts have been focused on facilitating dialogue and assisting efforts to stabilise the situation in order to help Ukraine out of the current crisis.
The Council in its conclusions underlined the EU's concerns over the political situation including reported abuses of human rights and cases of violence, intimidation and missing persons. The EU stands ready to provide expert support in all areas judged useful and encourages Ukraine also to draw on the expertise of international organisations such as the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the United Nations. The Council also underlined the EU's continued commitment to signing the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, as soon as Ukraine is ready.
See also:
Council Conclusions (Foreign Affairs) on Ukraine of 10 February 2014
Remarks by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton at the end of her visit to Kyiv, 5 February 2014
Statement by Catherine Ashton following meeting with Ukrainian opposition