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European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR)
News article23 July 2019Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations

Statement by the Spokesperson on the parliamentary elections in Ukraine

Parliamentary elections took place in Ukraine on 21 July. Following the presidential elections in March and April, the Ukrainian people have once again given a strong mandate for reform for the next five years. It is now the responsibility of the new...

EU-Ukraine Summit

Parliamentary elections took place in Ukraine on 21 July. Following the presidential elections in March and April, the Ukrainian people have once again given a strong mandate for reform for the next five years. It is now the responsibility of the new authorities to meet the expectations of Ukraine's citizens.

According to the preliminary assessment of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission, fundamental rights and freedoms were overall respected in the parliamentary elections. The campaign was competitive and the electoral administration was competent and effective. The Mission did, however, report vote-buying and intertwined business and political interests that dictate media coverage of elections, as well as other malpractices, in particular in majoritarian districts. It is important that the Ukrainian authorities address the shortcomings identified, on the basis of OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, ahead of the established electoral cycle, including the 2020 local elections.

The European Union stands by a democratic, stable and prosperous Ukraine. We look forward to continuing to advance our political association and economic integration and deliver on the reform process at the core of our Association Agreement, and closely cooperating to that end with the new Verkhovna Rada and the new Government, once formed. These reforms include furthering the rule of law, fight against corruption, energy and macro-economic stability, to the benefit of Ukraine's citizens.

The European Union remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

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