Agro Perspectiva

Vilkul: Economic recovery in Europe is common cause

04.09.2013 09:51 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) — "Economic recovery in Europe is a common cause. And the integration process of Ukraine, European country, creates new opportunities for this. Unity and coordinated efforts of all countries of our continent both those who are already members of the European Union and those countries that are still outside are needed," this was stated by Vice Prime Minister Olexandr Vilkul, speaking at the opening of the Prospects For A New World Order XXIII Economic Forum in Krynica-Zdroj in Poland, Government Portal reports. He said that «Integration of Ukraine in the EU is the main priority. It is based on shared values and a pragmatic approach.» «The field for our joint activities is virtually unlimited. These are projects in the field of economy and investments; development of regional and cross-border cooperation; these are the Danube, the Black Sea, the Baltic and the Adriatic Sea; these are energy security, on which the welfare of the whole of Europe depends, transport infrastructure linking East and West, North and South of the continent; agriculture; implementation of best practices of regional governance, bringing Ukrainian legislation to European standards. These are new opportunities for expanding markets; educational, scientific and cultural initiatives, tourism and development of direct contacts and friendly relations between our citizens and our nations,» Olexandr Vilkul said. «It is expected that on the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius in November Ukraine and the EU will sign a historic document - the Association Agreement and creation a deep and comprehensive free trade area. The value of the agreement is not only because it helps Ukraine to take another step in the modernization of social and economic life in accordance with European standards it will also open a European Ukraine for a united Europe,» Olexandr Vilkul said. There is intensive work on the preparation of signing the Association Agreement. It is for the last three years under President Viktor Yanukovych Ukraine has achieved significant results in the relations with the EU. The Vice Prime Minister said that Ukraine appreciates Polish support of Ukraine’s European aspirations and hopes that its influence in the EU will help in the signing of the Association Agreement. In addition, the Vice Prime Minister touched upon the cooperation with the CIS and Customs Union of Belarus,Kazakhstan, and Russia. He noted that in the present conditions to different countries can be offered a variety of formats of interaction with integration associations that depend on the structure of the economy and the interests of the parties. Also, within the Forum at the Reform of local government in Ukraine panel discussion Vice Prime Minister stressed that improving the management of the regions in accordance with the best international practices is an important part of European integration of Ukraine. Olexandr Vilkul noted that the European integration at the regional level is very active. Within the Forum Olexandr Vilkul met with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Econom Janusz Piechociński, Prime Minister of Latvia Valdis Dombrovskis, Chairman of the Polish part of the Ukrainian-Polish Chamber of Commerce, former Minister of Economy of Poland (in 2001–2005 years) Jacek Piechota, and a number of European politicians and experts. Olexandr Vilkul also spoke at the opening of the Forum of Young Leaders in Nowy Sacz.