The success of Ukraine on the path towards economic transformations and fundamental changes will become the key to the development of the whole of Europe. The Head of Government announced during the plenary session of the 4th meeting of the Ukraine-EU Association Council in Brussels.

The meeting was chaired by the Head of Ukrainian Government Volodymyr Groysman and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini.

Volodymyr Groysman emphasized that Kyiv and Brussels are taking stock of the current year in bilateral relations which appeared rather effective: this year the Association Agreement has finally entered into force, and the visa-free regime for the citizens of Ukraine has been introduced. And now, when the mechanisms of cooperation work in full, it is crucial to work out a roadmap of effective and mutually beneficial use of opportunities, assures the Prime Minister.

"I believe that the ongoing meeting will allow the two sides both to assess the progress achieved in our relations and to identify concrete joint steps aimed to improve the implementation of the Association Agreement and to maximize the use of the potential of the Free Trade Area with the EU by the Ukrainian economy," the Prime Minister highlighted.

Volodymyr Groysman stressed that the implementation of the Association Agreement and the Association Agenda remains a roadmap for reforms within our country and briefed the European partners about the progress of reforms, especially in the energy sector, public finance management, public administration, decentralization, the judiciary, the formation of favorable business climate, etc. The Head of Government added that yesterday, on December 7, the Parliament had approved the law on the State Budget for 2018, which will become a pledge of further economic development of Ukraine.

"We are facing difficult challenges. We have certain difficulties while introducing each reform. However, we can admit that we are building effective mechanisms to fight corruption, we are talking about the completion of the judicial system reform," urged Volodymyr Groysman, "We focus on recovery of the economy and partnership with the EU is essential in this matter. We have switched to a new quality of decision-making and look forward to further support."

The Head of Government thanked the European party for unwavering support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and extending the sanctions policy towards the aggressor country. "Our unity in sharing the position of making aggressor to abide by the civilized norms (of international cooperation) and force it to restore our territorial integrity is invariable", stressed Volodymyr Groysman.

Separately, the Head of Government expressed gratitude for the readiness of the European Commission to launch a new program of macrofinancial assistance to Ukraine for 2018-2019.

In turn, the EU High Representative, Federika Mogherini, emphasized that the EU commends Ukraine's strive to remain steadfast in abiding by the provisions of the Association Agreement and its efforts to introduce effective tools of anti-corruption policies.