NEWS

Rosen Plevneliev: The EU doors are open for Ukraine and we remain committed to the process of its association

The European Union has opened its doors to Ukraine’s association and remains committed to this process. This is what President Rosen Plevneliev said in the statement he made at the EU summit on Eastern Partnership, held in the capital of Lithuania Vilnius. “We are Ukraine’s friends, we deeply respect its sovereign choice. However, we believe that the country’s future lies in its political association and economic integration with the EU,” the Head of State said.

According to Rosen Plevneliev, the long-term benefits from associating with the EU are beyond doubt, because such an agreement guarantees the best possible support for improving the economy of Ukraine and it also opens the way to modernization and reforms. In the President’s words, the civil society in Ukraine has given a clear sign that it realizes the importance of the association process and the fact that it will contribute to ensuring economic stability, the rule of law and the economic development of the country. The President called on the politicians to make sure that when they make decisions they will be led not only by considerations of the economic benefits, but also would listen to the voice of their people.

With respect to the Agreements on Moldova’s and Georgia’s association signed today, the President highlighted that despite the external pressure these two countries are facing today, “they have clearly demonstrated their commitment to the European values and principles and their political will to reform their economies and build a modern democracy.” “Bulgaria supports the signing of an Agreement on associating Moldova and Georgia before the current European Commission serves its full term in office and we believe this is the right way to show our solidarity,” the Head of State added.

The President said that the Eastern Partnership not only concerns the development of the economy and democracy, but is also directed above all towards the citizens and towards strengthening the relations among them by “removing barriers and building bridges.” The free movement of people, goods and capitals is the EU greatest achievement and as far as our eastern partners are concerned, encouraging mobility and alleviating the visa regime are key aims, the Head of State further added.