Heads of EU institutions: Ukraine can count on solidarity in receiving vaccines

This is said in a letter written by the heads of EU institutions to President Volodymyr Zelensky following the 22nd Ukraine-EU Summit, which took place in Brussels on October 6, 2020, the press service of the head of state reports.

The European leaders note that the EU is willing to continue to support Ukraine in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, EUR 190 million was allocated, in particular for the purchase of medical equipment. The first tranche of macro-financial assistance in the amount of EUR 600 million was also allocated last year. The EU institutions are ready to cooperate with Ukraine on meeting the criteria for the second tranche of macro-financial assistance.

It is emphasized that Ukraine can count on the solidarity of the European Union in obtaining a COVID-19 vaccine. The EU is taking steps to ensure Ukraine's access to vaccines as soon as possible.

The letter also outlines the steps taken by the European Union to implement the agreements reached during the summit, as well as a plan for cooperation for the current year. The leaders of the EU institutions expressed hope that 2021 will be as intense as the previous one in the relations between Ukraine and the EU.

In addition, the presidents of the EU institutions state that a comprehensive revision of the Association Agreement will begin this year. It is planned to deepen sectoral cooperation, in particular in the digital and environmental spheres. The Agreement on the Common Aviation Area is being prepared for signing in the near future. The work of the preliminary EU assessment mission started in the context of the future Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products (ACAA).

"The leaders of the EU institutions note Ukraine's progress in implementing internal reforms despite the unfavorable situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU is ready for further cooperation, in particular on issues related to the fight against corruption and judicial reform. The heads of European institutions praise the urgent steps taken by the President of Ukraine in the context of the situation with the decision of the Constitutional Court," Deputy Head of the President's Office Ihor Zhovkva commented on the letter.

In conclusion, the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Normandy format negotiations, as well as Ukraine's diplomatic efforts in the context of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea.

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