Libor Rouček, S&D vice-president for foreign policy, said:

"After the October parliamentary elections, the priority now is for the EU and Ukraine to restore mutual trust in bilateral relations and prepare the ground for signing an association agreement in 2013.“

"The agreement, together with its trade component, is of immense strategic and economic significance for both Ukraine and the EU. It is an opportunity that neither side can afford to miss."

The S&Ds also welcomed the position taken by the European Council earlier in the week.

"The Council sent a positive signal on the EU’s readiness to sign the agreement. The Ukrainian government should seize this opportunity and deliver tangible progress in terms of reforming the judiciary, electoral legislation and the constitutional process."

Commenting on the October parliamentary elections, Libor Rouček added:

"While certainly not perfect in procedural terms – and the Ukrainian authorities must fully address the irregularities identified by domestic and international observers – the election results reflected the democratic and legitimate choice of the Ukrainian people. What is crucial is that almost all parties elected to the new Verkhovna Rada advocate a policy of European integration."

Dimitris Komodros, 13.12.2012, www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu