You're reading: European Commission: New government must show seriousness about reforms within first 100 days

Within the first 100 days of its work, the Ukrainian government must show it is serious about reforms, said European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Commissioner Johannes Hahn.

“In the first 100 days, the government must work with Rada, show that it is serious about reforms and gain the trust of citizens,” Hahn said at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday.

According to him, in the first 100 days of its work, the government should make real progress in removing sanitary and phytosanitary barriers on trade, particularly on animal products.

It should improve governance to create the right business climate. That means showing real will to tackle corruption, which is one of the main deterrents for international business investment.

Moreover, the government should make sure not to again review agreements made with the IMF and to continue implementing this program.

“I’m looking forward to Ukrainian-European summit in May. That would be a best chance for the Ukrainian government to show the European family the results it has achieved,” Hahn said.

“In these 100 days the ministers should also reengage with the IMF and do what is necessary to get the program back on track, adopt the law on the energy regulator and lift the export ban on wood,” Hahn said in Kyiv.

According to him, continuation of cooperation with the IMF is a condition for disbursement of the second tranche of MFA in an amount of EUR 600 mln.

Ukraine is also expected to appoint an independent and reform-oriented general prosecutor and make a profound reform of the general prosecutor’s office as soon as possible.

“The population needs a clear sign of commitment to vigorous reform and an end to past practice,” he said.