On July 1, 2014 inAthens, Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova with the EU Delegation in Athens marked a historic event - the signature in Brussels on June 27, 2014 the Association Agreements with the EU.

Accredited in Athens Ambassador of Ukraine H.E. Mr. V.Shkurov, Ambassador of Georgia H.E. Mr. D.Bakradze, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova H.E. Mr. V.Ciumak have been welcomed by the First Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament, Head of the Parliamentary Committee of European Affairs Mr. I.Tragakis, Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. K.Gerontopoulos, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece, diplomats, businessmen and journalists. 

In his speech the Head of the EC Representation in Greece Mr. P. Carvounis welcomed Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova with the signing the Association Agreement which took place while the Greek Presidency of the EU Council, and stressed that EU member-states will continue to support all Ukrainian steps toward to the European integration.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. K.Gerontopoulos also welcomed the countries with the signing of the Agreements with the EU, has confirmed Greece readiness for further development as the bilateral cooperation well as the cooperation within the EU with Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova.

Separately Mr. K.Gerontopoulos emphasized the necessity for the countries to pass the difficult way of the reformation of law and bringing into compliance with the European standards many sectors in order to become full members of the EU.

Addressing to the audience, Ambassador of Ukraine H.E. Mr. V.Shkurov stressed that the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement is the most international legal document in the entire history of Ukraine, which provides for creation of an European framework for development of the Ukrainian policies and economy, it captures external liabilities related to vitally needed reforms.

Ambassador stressed the benefits of signing of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and has expressed his gratitude to the Greek senior officials for the support and daily assistance of Ukraine in preparation for the signing the Agreement.

During the event the information on the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and free trade area with the EU has been distributed to the numerous guests and mass-media representatives.

Statement of the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Hellenic Republic H.E. Mr. Volodymyr Shkurov:  Ambassador_Statement_July_1_2014.doc