Barroso: This is a historic day

The signing of the Association Agreements gives more momentum to cooperation between the EU and Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.

It was said by President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso.

“This is indeed a historic day for the three countries themselves [Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova]. It is a recognition of the significant progress made over recent years and of their strong political determination to come closer to the European Union,” TSN quotes the European Commission President.

According to Barroso, the Association Agreements will facilitate the integration of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova into the EU. “We are not seeking an exclusive relationship with our three partners, with Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. We believe in open societies, open economies, open regionalism.”

“These agreements do not constitute the endpoint of the EU's cooperation with its partners. Quite the opposite. Signing these Association Agreements with Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas should not be seen as the end of the road, but as the beginning of a journey on which the European Union and these three partner countries are embarking together today,” José Manuel Barroso said.

The Agreements of Association with the EU were signed today in Brussels by Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.