| Author (Corporate) | European Commission: DG Communication |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Memo |
| Series Details | MEMO/13/1052 (25.11.13) |
| Publication Date | 25/11/2013 |
| Content Type | News, Overview |
|
On the 21 November 2013 Ukraine announced that it would suspend temporarily the preparations for signing the Association Agreement and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) with the European Union. In a joint statement, President Barroso and President Van Rompuy emphasized the European Union's position concerning the Ukrainian decision. See the related url hyperlinks for more information sources on this important development. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych defended on the 25 November 2013 his move to put on hold the historic deal with the EU, amid continuing mass protest rallies. He said he was forced by economic necessity and the desire to protect those 'most vulnerable'. The President still planned to attend the summit in Vilnius. One day before the Vilnius summit Eastern partnership summit, the European Commission hinted that it was “refining its thinking” about holding trilateral trade talks with Ukraine and Russia. However, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has criticised Russia's "Cold War" mentality and said Ukraine can still sign an EU pact. European leaders have strongly criticised Mr Yanukovych on his option to freeze the Association Agreement with the EU. |
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| Source Link | http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-1052_en.htm |
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| Countries / Regions | Europe, Russia, Ukraine |
