"The Association and deep and comprehensive free trade agreement is within reach, but there is no room for complacency. Ukraine must continue its efforts to improve the rule of law and deliver tangible progress in the coming weeks.“

"The EU-Ukraine summit in February restored a positive dynamic in bilateral relations and set the stage for the agreement to be signed at the next Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius in November 2013. The summit reaffirmed the EU's readiness to move toward closer political and economic ties with Ukraine and the S&D Group welcomed this renewed momentum.“

"The ball in now in Ukraine's court. The authorities in Kiev must show their determination to meet the commitments spelled out in the February summit conclusions. In particular, they should swiftly address outstanding issues of selective justice and political bias in the courts (including the recent case of Ukrainian MP Serhiy Vlasenko) and take steps towards reforming the judicial system and electoral legislation.“

"In this regard, the S&D Group reiterates its support for the work of Aleksander Kwaśniewski and Pat Cox as the Parliament's special envoys to Ukraine. We look forward to their new report on the situation in the country.“

"The association agreement represents the best framework for Ukraine to advance its strategic interests, protect its national sovereignty and improve the well-being of all its citizens. In this respect, the recent resolution of the Verkhovna Rada on European integration represents a step in the right direction. If the Ukrainian authorities deliver on their commitments to the EU, this will lay solid foundations which can hopefully make the Vilnius summit a historic success."

Zdroj: Tisková zpráva Skupiny S&D 13.3.2013, www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu