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On 16 September 2014, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine’s Parliament) ratified the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement at the same time that the EU Parliament approved the historic agreement. The two Parliaments had coordinated their votes which were televised. The vote was 355 in favour of passage, although only 226 were needed. The Parliamentary news report states:
Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada read out the text of the resolution on the Statement of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine “On the European Choice of Ukraine” (Reg. No. 5076). The Statement read that “An outstanding event took place in the history of modern Ukraine – the Ukrainian Parliament has made a crucial step in the direction towards the European integration. Having overcome 23 years of hesitation, uncertainty, and hardship, as well as counteraction to dreadful aggression, Ukrainian people have won their right to live in a free and democratic state. Such status can be acquired only in the union of equal, prosperous, democratic and legal European states.”
It was mentioned that the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement provides us with such a unique opportunity. Its ratification allows beginning a comprehensive reforming of the state on the basis of European standards and values.
“The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine considers ratification of the Agreement not only as an impetus for implementing further reforms in Ukraine but also as another step on the way to accomplishing its main objective – the European integration – becoming a full member of the European Union.
The President of Ukraine submitted the draft law on ratification of the Association Agreement between Ukraine on the one part, and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States on the other (Reg. No. 0098) to the Verkhovna Rada on 15 September.
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