Poland welcomes 'Ukraine – EU rapprochement'

PMs Tusk (right) and Azarov: photo - PAP/radek Pietruszka

Poland has been mediating between Kiev and Brussels on a new associate agreement for the EU and Ukraine, though progress stalled over the imprisonment of former prime minister of Yulia Tymoshenko.

But Prime Minister Tusk now welcomed that the agreement would finally be tied up at the end of this month.

“I am very pleased that on 30 March – barring some extraordinary circumstances – the Association Agreement between EU and Ukraine will be initialled,” Tusk said.

Tusk added, however, that Poland and the EU were “concerned” about Tymoshenko's inprisonment, a situation “which is troubling for Polish and European public opinion”.

On the occasionally difficult preparations for Euro 2012, being co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine, PM Tusk said that the “extraordinary determination of both countries and governments […] and sports and business circles has led us to today to the point where both can say […] that Ukraine and Poland are prepared to carry out Euro 2012”.

Prime Minister Azalea said at the joint press conference that the experience of organising Euro 2012 was as valuable “as the many investments.

Azarov also praised the growing trade with Poland and increased cooperation of entrepreneurs from both countries. (pg)