BRUSSELS -- EU foreign ministers have stressed the readiness of the European Union to sign an association agreement with Ukraine at the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius in November.
The statement adopted at a meeting in Brussels on February 18, however, underlines the need for Kyiv to address "the issue of selective justice" and make sure that elections follow international standards as a prerequisite for the signature to happen.
It also states that parts of the agreement can be applicable immediately without the need for ratification.
Several EU member states have previously expressed doubts that the deal can be ratified unless politicians such as former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko are released from prison.
The statement also notes that Brussels aims to finalize negotiations on association agreements with Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova by the time of the summit.
The statement adopted at a meeting in Brussels on February 18, however, underlines the need for Kyiv to address "the issue of selective justice" and make sure that elections follow international standards as a prerequisite for the signature to happen.
It also states that parts of the agreement can be applicable immediately without the need for ratification.
Several EU member states have previously expressed doubts that the deal can be ratified unless politicians such as former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko are released from prison.
The statement also notes that Brussels aims to finalize negotiations on association agreements with Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova by the time of the summit.
