Libor Rouček, vice-president of the S&D Group for enlargement and neighbourhood policy, said:

"Both sides should use the present momentum to ensure that the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement – documents of historical significance that would set Ukraine on an irreversible path towards European integration – are signed at the next Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius in November.“

"It is an opportunity that neither Ukraine nor the EU can afford to miss."

Rouček added:

"We call on the Ukrainian authorities to take further action in addressing the outstanding concerns, above all in the area of selective justice, election irregularities and judicial reforms. The next few months will be decisive.“

"Likewise, we call on the Council and the Commission to maintain a constructive and credible approach. Beyond supporting Ukraine's reform process, the EU should, in particular, step up co-operation and assistance in the energy sector, on the basis of the 2009 Memorandum."

Zdroj: www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu, 25.2.2013