This ratification is evidence of Spain's firm commitment to Ukraine. This Association Agreement constitutes a key element in the development of relations between Ukraine and the European Union and includes an ambitious reformist agenda operating to the mutual benefit of society in both Europe and Ukraine. The Association Agreement also provides for the establishment of a free trade zone with a broad and far-reaching scope.
Georgia and Moldova have also signed similar association agreements with the European Union. Spain is finalising the internal ratification process of both agreements, which are currently in their passage through the Spanish Upper House of Parliament.
Within the European Neighbourhood Policy - together with Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia and Moldova - Ukraine forms part of the Eastern Partnership with the EU. On Thursday 21 and Friday 22 of May, the EU will hold its fourth summit with the countries making up the Eastern Association in Riga. As regards the Southern Neighbourhood, the EU and its Member States met with their Mediterranean partners on 13 April in Barcelona, in what constituted the first regional meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers with their Mediterranean partners since 2008.
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