| Yalta, 7 October, 2003 |
UKRAINE-EUROPEAN UNION SUMMIT
Joint Statement
by L. Kuchma, President of Ukraine and S. Berlusconi, President of the European Council, assisted by J.
Solana, Secretary-General of the Council / High Representative
for EU Common Foreign and Security Policy,
and R. Prodi, President of the Commission of the European Communities
1. Our Summit took place against the background of the conclusion of a new wave of European Union’s
enlargement. Sharing common goals and values we emphasised that becoming direct neighbours will offer us
new opportunities and responsibilities for assuring peace, stability and prosperity in an indivisible Europe.
2. Ukraine reiterated its long-term strategic goal to be fully integrated into the EU. The European Union
acknowledged Ukraine’s European aspirations and welcomed Ukraine’s European choice. We noted with
satisfaction Ukraine’s participation as a full member in the European Conference in Athens in April 2003. Bearing
in mind our strong determination to avoid drawing new dividing lines in Europe, we reconfirmed our
commitment declared in Athens to promote policies of further political and economic rapprochement and gradual
integration of the social and economic structures between the enlarged Union and Ukraine.
3. We discussed the EU's "Wider Europe - Neighbourhood" initiative and agreed that its broad range of new
opportunities and relevant instruments should facilitate Ukraine's progressive participation in the EU’s internal
market and in EU policies and programmes, taking into account Ukraine’s strategic goals and priorities. Ukraine
noted the EU position that this initiative should be seen as separate from the question of possible EU accession
that is regulated by article 49 of the Treaty on European Union.
4. We welcomed the significant EU assistance to Ukraine over the past years and discussed programs and
prospects until and after 2006. The EU will reflect in close consultation with Ukraine on possible new modalities
of assistance to Ukraine. We welcomed the planned setting up of Neighborhood Programs, as suggested by the
European Commission. Ukraine suggested that new instruments and forms of assistance after 2006 would
usefully reflect the experience of the enlargement process, including elements of co-financing and national
administration of EU assistance in Ukraine.
5. We expressed satisfaction that good use has so far been made of the PCA and stressed our joint commitment
towards its further implementation. The joint report on PCA implementation noted substantial progress towards
the objectives of the PCA. At the same time the need for further intensified efforts in certain sectors under the
PCA was underlined.
6. We noted the creation of the State Council on European and Euroatlantic Integration of Ukraine and welcomed
Ukraine’s aspiration to reinforce its institutional capacity.
7. We reiterated that strengthening and ensuring the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of
law and respect for human rights is of vital importance for Ukraine's development and for an intensified
relationship with the EU. We noted the importance of a continued commitment from the Ukrainian authorities to
reform further the judiciary and to strengthening administrative capacity, to fostering the development of civil
society, and to supporting the freedom of the media. We agreed that co-operation and EU assistance in these
areas should be intensified
8. We acknowledged progress made by Ukraine in implementing economic reforms. We noted with satisfaction
the steady growth of the Ukrainian economy, and welcomed national currency stability, and low inflation rates in
Ukraine. We stressed the importance of tax reform and reiterated the need for continued efforts on the clearance
of arrears on VAT refunds, as well as on completion of banking sector reform and reinforcing the independence
of the National Bank of Ukraine.
9. Acknowledging the importance of creating a positive investment climate in Ukraine, we are confident that
decisive progress towards removing discrimination in the automobile sector can be achieved soon. We
encouraged the Ukrainian government to ensure non-discriminatory treatment of foreign investors and agreed to
continue our efforts to remove remaining trade restrictions that are in contradiction with the provisions of the
PCA.
10. We agreed that developing fully the potential of our partnership will contribute to the progress in political and
economic reforms in Ukraine which remains a priority for the Ukrainian government.
11. We welcomed EU enlargement process and agreed that maintenance of traditionally close ties between
Ukraine and the new EU Member States is vital for regional stability and will facilitate Ukraine’s further
integration with the EU. We noted the importance of continued discussions on the impact of EU enlargement on
our relations at all levels within PCA bodies. We look forward to the extension of the EU-Ukraine PCA to the new
EU member states.
12. Ukraine informed the EU about the recently signed agreement on the establishment of a single economic
space between Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
13. We agreed that one of the most effective ways to use the opportunities of the current EU enlargement is for
Ukraine to intensify its work in aligning its legislation, norms and standards with those of the European Union.
The EU reiterated its readiness to continue co-operation and support for Ukraine with regard to legislative
approximation. Ukraine's National Programme for Adaptation of the Ukrainian Legislation to that of the EU and
our joint work on the development of a legislative approximation scoreboard for priority areas should provide a
good basis for further progress on this important task. The EU took note of Ukraine suggestions as regards the
future process of legislative approximation.
14. We noted with satisfaction the increase in EU-Ukraine bilateral trade and welcomed the successful conclusion
of our bilateral market access protocol under Ukraine’s accession to the WTO. The EU reiterated its support to
Ukraine’s accession to the WTO, and its readiness to work with Ukraine to facilitate the WTO Working Party
report drafting as an important stage in the WTO accession process.
15. We stressed the importance of co-operation on the integration of infrastructure networks between Ukraine
and the EU in the context of EU enlargement. We noted the particular importance of energy and transport
networks in this regard, including their links with the Pan-European transport corridors and the Trans-European
Transport Network, and discussed opportunities for intensified co-operation in the context of the "Wider Europe"
concept. Against this background, Ukraine reiterated its strong desire for an extension of the European
Investment Bank mandate to Ukraine, particularly in areas of energy, transport, environment and cross-border
cooperation.
16. We discussed issues of common interest in the transport sector, in particular safety and security issues and
the technical and legal interoperability of our transport systems. We stressed the importance of EU-Ukraine co-
operation on the Galileo satellite navigation system. We noted with satisfaction the adoption of a Ukraine-EU joint
declaration on co-operation in Satellite Navigation – Galileo, and call on private companies and scientists to
intensify co-operation in this field. We welcomed the establishment under the relevant PCA structure of a
Ukraine- EU working group on space research and peaceful use of outer space.
17. We stressed the importance of further energy sector reform in Ukraine. We will continue our cooperation in
the field of gas sector reform and gas transit through Ukraine, noting its significant role for the EU’s security of
supply. We encouraged continuation of the work of the joint expert working group on gas transit, including
implementation of relevant projects within the framework of the EU's INOGATE Programme. We also underlined
the importance of the development of the Euro-Asian oil transport corridor, especially the finalisation of the
Odesa - Brody - Plock oil pipeline. In this regard we welcomed the signing of a Joint Declaration by
representatives of the governments of Poland and Ukraine and the European Commission on the support of this
corridor.
18. We reaffirmed our commitment to continue our co-operation in overcoming the consequences of the
Chernobyl accident, in particular as regards issues of nuclear safety, energy capacity and energy sector reform,
as well as the social consequences. The Ukrainian side reiterated its commitment that the new reactors in Rivne
and Khmelnytsky, "K2/R4" will be completed according to the internationally accepted safety standards.
19. The EU and Ukraine have a shared responsibility to protect the environment. We took note of the success of
the Kyiv 2003 Pan-European Environment Ministers Conference and welcomed the establishment of a New
Environmental Partnership. We look forward to close cooperation on the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol.
We agreed to further develop our co-operation in the field of environmental issues in the Black Sea region.
20. We welcomed the signing of an agreement renewing the Agreement on Co-operation in Science and
Technology between the European Community and Ukraine and the establishment of a relevant Joint Ukraine-EU
Committee, which regularly reports to the PCA Sub-Committee. We noted that a specific Action Plan for
dialogue on co-operation in Science and Technology will be developed in this framework.
21. We stressed the importance of EU-Ukraine co-operation in the area of Justice and Home Affairs and
expressed our satisfaction with the progress on the implementation of the EU Action Plan on Ukraine in this field.
We agreed to strengthen our joint co-operation to address issues of readmission and migration, border
management, combating organised crime, including trafficking in human beings, sexual exploitation and child
pornography, money laundering, terrorism, drugs and corruption. We encourage co-operation between judicial
authorities of Ukraine and Eurojust, and look forward to eventual co-operation between Ukrainian law
enforcement agencies and Europol.
22. We had an exchange on the global security situation and in particular the emergence of new security threats
such as terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, state failure and organised crime. We agreed
on the importance of building effective partnerships to address these challenges. In this context, the EU outlined
its work in preparing an EU Security Strategy to be adopted by the European Council in December. We are
firmly committed to strengthening the international system of non-proliferation and will work together in tackling
this global challenge.
23. The EU expressed its appreciation for Ukraine's participation in the EU Police Mission in Bosnia and
Herzegovina. We will continue our consultations with a view to conclude an Agreement on the using Ukrainian
capabilities by the EU in the field of long haul aviation.
24. We welcomed the efforts towards finding a peaceful settlement of the Transnistria conflict, fully respecting
the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, and urged both parties to resume full
commitment to this process. We pledged our intention to further increase our efforts to assist this process under
the aegis of the OSCE. We underlined the importance of fulfilment of the Istanbul and Porto commitments. We
welcomed the enhanced customs cooperation between Ukraine and Moldova as well as the Ukrainian efforts
aimed at strengthening security and control on Ukraine-Moldova border and looked forward to further progress.
Sharing the basic principles for a settlement we confirmed our readiness to contribute jointly to accelerating the
settlement arrangements.
25. Security remains a major priority in Iraq and the parties stressed the importance of the discussions in this
regard currently under way in the UNSC on a new UNSCR. Both sides stressed that the UN should play a vital
role.
26. We expressed our deep concern about the resurgency of violence in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. We
urge all parties to take immediate action to break the cycle of violence. We reaffirmed once again that there is no
alternative to a swift and full implementation, in good faith by the two sides, of the Quartet road map.
by L. Kuchma, President of Ukraine and S. Berlusconi, President of the European Council, assisted by J.
Solana, Secretary-General of the Council / High Representative
for EU Common Foreign and Security Policy,
and R. Prodi, President of the Commission of the European Communities
1. Our Summit took place against the background of the conclusion of a new wave of European Union’s
enlargement. Sharing common goals and values we emphasised that becoming direct neighbours will offer us
new opportunities and responsibilities for assuring peace, stability and prosperity in an indivisible Europe.
2. Ukraine reiterated its long-term strategic goal to be fully integrated into the EU. The European Union
acknowledged Ukraine’s European aspirations and welcomed Ukraine’s European choice. We noted with
satisfaction Ukraine’s participation as a full member in the European Conference in Athens in April 2003. Bearing
in mind our strong determination to avoid drawing new dividing lines in Europe, we reconfirmed our
commitment declared in Athens to promote policies of further political and economic rapprochement and gradual
integration of the social and economic structures between the enlarged Union and Ukraine.
3. We discussed the EU's "Wider Europe - Neighbourhood" initiative and agreed that its broad range of new
opportunities and relevant instruments should facilitate Ukraine's progressive participation in the EU’s internal
market and in EU policies and programmes, taking into account Ukraine’s strategic goals and priorities. Ukraine
noted the EU position that this initiative should be seen as separate from the question of possible EU accession
that is regulated by article 49 of the Treaty on European Union.
4. We welcomed the significant EU assistance to Ukraine over the past years and discussed programs and
prospects until and after 2006. The EU will reflect in close consultation with Ukraine on possible new modalities
of assistance to Ukraine. We welcomed the planned setting up of Neighborhood Programs, as suggested by the
European Commission. Ukraine suggested that new instruments and forms of assistance after 2006 would
usefully reflect the experience of the enlargement process, including elements of co-financing and national
administration of EU assistance in Ukraine.
5. We expressed satisfaction that good use has so far been made of the PCA and stressed our joint commitment
towards its further implementation. The joint report on PCA implementation noted substantial progress towards
the objectives of the PCA. At the same time the need for further intensified efforts in certain sectors under the
PCA was underlined.
6. We noted the creation of the State Council on European and Euroatlantic Integration of Ukraine and welcomed
Ukraine’s aspiration to reinforce its institutional capacity.
7. We reiterated that strengthening and ensuring the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of
law and respect for human rights is of vital importance for Ukraine's development and for an intensified
relationship with the EU. We noted the importance of a continued commitment from the Ukrainian authorities to
reform further the judiciary and to strengthening administrative capacity, to fostering the development of civil
society, and to supporting the freedom of the media. We agreed that co-operation and EU assistance in these
areas should be intensified
8. We acknowledged progress made by Ukraine in implementing economic reforms. We noted with satisfaction
the steady growth of the Ukrainian economy, and welcomed national currency stability, and low inflation rates in
Ukraine. We stressed the importance of tax reform and reiterated the need for continued efforts on the clearance
of arrears on VAT refunds, as well as on completion of banking sector reform and reinforcing the independence
of the National Bank of Ukraine.
9. Acknowledging the importance of creating a positive investment climate in Ukraine, we are confident that
decisive progress towards removing discrimination in the automobile sector can be achieved soon. We
encouraged the Ukrainian government to ensure non-discriminatory treatment of foreign investors and agreed to
continue our efforts to remove remaining trade restrictions that are in contradiction with the provisions of the
PCA.
10. We agreed that developing fully the potential of our partnership will contribute to the progress in political and
economic reforms in Ukraine which remains a priority for the Ukrainian government.
11. We welcomed EU enlargement process and agreed that maintenance of traditionally close ties between
Ukraine and the new EU Member States is vital for regional stability and will facilitate Ukraine’s further
integration with the EU. We noted the importance of continued discussions on the impact of EU enlargement on
our relations at all levels within PCA bodies. We look forward to the extension of the EU-Ukraine PCA to the new
EU member states.
12. Ukraine informed the EU about the recently signed agreement on the establishment of a single economic
space between Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
13. We agreed that one of the most effective ways to use the opportunities of the current EU enlargement is for
Ukraine to intensify its work in aligning its legislation, norms and standards with those of the European Union.
The EU reiterated its readiness to continue co-operation and support for Ukraine with regard to legislative
approximation. Ukraine's National Programme for Adaptation of the Ukrainian Legislation to that of the EU and
our joint work on the development of a legislative approximation scoreboard for priority areas should provide a
good basis for further progress on this important task. The EU took note of Ukraine suggestions as regards the
future process of legislative approximation.
14. We noted with satisfaction the increase in EU-Ukraine bilateral trade and welcomed the successful conclusion
of our bilateral market access protocol under Ukraine’s accession to the WTO. The EU reiterated its support to
Ukraine’s accession to the WTO, and its readiness to work with Ukraine to facilitate the WTO Working Party
report drafting as an important stage in the WTO accession process.
15. We stressed the importance of co-operation on the integration of infrastructure networks between Ukraine
and the EU in the context of EU enlargement. We noted the particular importance of energy and transport
networks in this regard, including their links with the Pan-European transport corridors and the Trans-European
Transport Network, and discussed opportunities for intensified co-operation in the context of the "Wider Europe"
concept. Against this background, Ukraine reiterated its strong desire for an extension of the European
Investment Bank mandate to Ukraine, particularly in areas of energy, transport, environment and cross-border
cooperation.
16. We discussed issues of common interest in the transport sector, in particular safety and security issues and
the technical and legal interoperability of our transport systems. We stressed the importance of EU-Ukraine co-
operation on the Galileo satellite navigation system. We noted with satisfaction the adoption of a Ukraine-EU joint
declaration on co-operation in Satellite Navigation – Galileo, and call on private companies and scientists to
intensify co-operation in this field. We welcomed the establishment under the relevant PCA structure of a
Ukraine- EU working group on space research and peaceful use of outer space.
17. We stressed the importance of further energy sector reform in Ukraine. We will continue our cooperation in
the field of gas sector reform and gas transit through Ukraine, noting its significant role for the EU’s security of
supply. We encouraged continuation of the work of the joint expert working group on gas transit, including
implementation of relevant projects within the framework of the EU's INOGATE Programme. We also underlined
the importance of the development of the Euro-Asian oil transport corridor, especially the finalisation of the
Odesa - Brody - Plock oil pipeline. In this regard we welcomed the signing of a Joint Declaration by
representatives of the governments of Poland and Ukraine and the European Commission on the support of this
corridor.
18. We reaffirmed our commitment to continue our co-operation in overcoming the consequences of the
Chernobyl accident, in particular as regards issues of nuclear safety, energy capacity and energy sector reform,
as well as the social consequences. The Ukrainian side reiterated its commitment that the new reactors in Rivne
and Khmelnytsky, "K2/R4" will be completed according to the internationally accepted safety standards.
19. The EU and Ukraine have a shared responsibility to protect the environment. We took note of the success of
the Kyiv 2003 Pan-European Environment Ministers Conference and welcomed the establishment of a New
Environmental Partnership. We look forward to close cooperation on the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol.
We agreed to further develop our co-operation in the field of environmental issues in the Black Sea region.
20. We welcomed the signing of an agreement renewing the Agreement on Co-operation in Science and
Technology between the European Community and Ukraine and the establishment of a relevant Joint Ukraine-EU
Committee, which regularly reports to the PCA Sub-Committee. We noted that a specific Action Plan for
dialogue on co-operation in Science and Technology will be developed in this framework.
21. We stressed the importance of EU-Ukraine co-operation in the area of Justice and Home Affairs and
expressed our satisfaction with the progress on the implementation of the EU Action Plan on Ukraine in this field.
We agreed to strengthen our joint co-operation to address issues of readmission and migration, border
management, combating organised crime, including trafficking in human beings, sexual exploitation and child
pornography, money laundering, terrorism, drugs and corruption. We encourage co-operation between judicial
authorities of Ukraine and Eurojust, and look forward to eventual co-operation between Ukrainian law
enforcement agencies and Europol.
22. We had an exchange on the global security situation and in particular the emergence of new security threats
such as terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, state failure and organised crime. We agreed
on the importance of building effective partnerships to address these challenges. In this context, the EU outlined
its work in preparing an EU Security Strategy to be adopted by the European Council in December. We are
firmly committed to strengthening the international system of non-proliferation and will work together in tackling
this global challenge.
23. The EU expressed its appreciation for Ukraine's participation in the EU Police Mission in Bosnia and
Herzegovina. We will continue our consultations with a view to conclude an Agreement on the using Ukrainian
capabilities by the EU in the field of long haul aviation.
24. We welcomed the efforts towards finding a peaceful settlement of the Transnistria conflict, fully respecting
the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, and urged both parties to resume full
commitment to this process. We pledged our intention to further increase our efforts to assist this process under
the aegis of the OSCE. We underlined the importance of fulfilment of the Istanbul and Porto commitments. We
welcomed the enhanced customs cooperation between Ukraine and Moldova as well as the Ukrainian efforts
aimed at strengthening security and control on Ukraine-Moldova border and looked forward to further progress.
Sharing the basic principles for a settlement we confirmed our readiness to contribute jointly to accelerating the
settlement arrangements.
25. Security remains a major priority in Iraq and the parties stressed the importance of the discussions in this
regard currently under way in the UNSC on a new UNSCR. Both sides stressed that the UN should play a vital
role.
26. We expressed our deep concern about the resurgency of violence in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. We
urge all parties to take immediate action to break the cycle of violence. We reaffirmed once again that there is no
alternative to a swift and full implementation, in good faith by the two sides, of the Quartet road map.
Since December 2002!
| Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Singapore |
| Посольство України в Республіці Сінгапур |