Juncker ahead of G20 summit mentions Ukraine among key European trade partners

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has noted that the EU’s economic growth was achieved thanks to developed trading relations with countries around the world, including Ukraine.

He said this during a press conference ahead of the G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka on June 28, according to a press release on the website of the European Commission.

President Juncker recalled that the European Union is in the seventh consecutive year of economic growth, with every member state contributing to that progress.

"A large part of this success is due to the fact that Europe is open for fair business. The European Union is the number one trading partner for 80 countries around the world. We have 72 trade agreements in place, and under the mandate of this Commission alone we have opened up trade relations with 15 countries – from Canada to Japan via Ukraine and Ecuador. And there is more good news to come. This Sunday, the Commission will sign the new EU-Vietnam trade and investment agreements," he said.

President Juncker referred to the challenges and transitions the world faces, including climate, digital and technological change, which, he stated, "all require a concerted and comprehensive response within the multilateral rules-based system." 

"Our message to the world is clear and simple: Europe is committed to upholding – and where necessary updating – the rules-based global system. And we are ready to work with everyone to make that happen," the European Commission president added.

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